invalidate

[ in-val-i-deyt ]

verb (used with object)

, in·val·i·dat·ed, in·val·i·dat·ing.

1. to render invalid; discredit.

   Synonyms: rebut, refute, disprove, impair, weaken

2. to deprive of legal force or efficacy; nullify.

invalidate

/ ɪnˈvælɪˌdeɪt /

verb

1. to render weak or ineffective, as an argument
2. to take away the legal force or effectiveness of; annul, as a contract

Derived Forms

• inˌvaliˈdation, noun
• inˈvaliˌdator, noun

Other Words From

• in·vali·dation noun
• in·vali·dator noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of invalidate¹

First recorded in 1640–50; invalid ² + -ate ¹

Example Sentences

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in August rejected similar claims from the organization as it sought to invalidate the 2020 California election.

From Los Angeles Times

Read it to see how white-dominated high school curricula can erase and invalidate Black students.

From Los Angeles Times

Though the election is just three weeks away and ballots have been printed, challenges to the amendment could invalidate votes cast for the initiative.

From Salon

Turco and Coalition Life aim to invalidate “buffer” and “bubble” zone laws, which restrict how close protesters can get to clinics or to people within a certain radius of a clinic.

From Slate

One was brought by the Democratic National Committee and others against the State Election Board, seeking to invalidate the rule.

From Salon

Related Words

• abolish
• abrogate
• annul
• discredit
• disqualify
• impair
• negate
• nullify
• overrule
• quash
• revoke
• undermine
• undo