nullify

[ nuhl-uh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

, nul·li·fied, nul·li·fy·ing.

1. to render or declare legally void or inoperative:

   to nullify a contract.

   Synonyms: cancel, void, annul, invalidate

2. to deprive (something) of value or effectiveness; make futile or of no consequence.

   Synonyms: cancel, void, annul, invalidate

nullify

/ ˈnʌlɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. to render legally void or of no effect
2. to render ineffective or useless; cancel out

Derived Forms

• ˌnullifiˈcation, noun
• ˈnulliˌfier, noun

Other Words From

• nulli·fier noun
• re·nulli·fy verb (used with object) renullified renullifying
• un·nulli·fied adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of nullify¹

First recorded in 1585–95, nullify is from the Late Latin word nūllificāre to despise. See nulli-, -fy

Word History and Origins

Origin of nullify¹

C16: from Late Latin nullificāre to despise, from Latin nullus of no account + facere to make

Example Sentences

But in his earlier writings, Ho took pains to state that all children born of migrants should receive citizenship, with no mention of this glaring exception that would nullify the rule.

From Slate

But they apply only to another state’s attempt to prosecution and cannot nullify federal law.

From Slate

In other words, a vote in those swing states for Trump on Nov. 5 is a vote to possibly nullify the abortion preferences of the voters in those states by more seriously restricting abortion and potentially banning it entirely.

From Slate

“It’s wild to me to see these D.C. staffer bros in bow ties making decisions,” she said, calling for national codification of abortion rights to nullify the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision.

From Los Angeles Times

If the Supreme Court embraced the 5th Circuit’s reasoning, it would nullify all these ballots.

From Slate

Related Words

• abolish
• abrogate
• annul
• invalidate
• negate
• offset
• quash
• repeal
• rescind
• restrict
• torpedo
• undo
• veto
• void
• wipe out