superannuate

[ soo-per-an-yoo-eyt ]

verb (used with object)

, su·per·an·nu·at·ed, su·per·an·nu·at·ing.

1. to allow to retire from service or office on a pension because of age or infirmity.
2. to set aside as out of date; remove as too old.

verb (used without object)

, su·per·an·nu·at·ed, su·per·an·nu·at·ing.

1. to be or become old, out of date, or retired.

superannuate

/ ˌsuːpərˈænjʊˌeɪt /

verb

1. to pension off
2. to discard as obsolete or old-fashioned

Word History and Origins

Origin of superannuate¹

First recorded in 1640–50; back formation from superannuated

Example Sentences

Superannuate, sū-pėr-an′ū-āt, v.t. to impair or disqualify by living beyond the years of service or by old age: to pension on account of old age or infirmity.—v.i. to become incapacitated by long service.—n.

From Project Gutenberg

Nothing can superannuate its charm, nothing can quench its fascination.

From Project Gutenberg

It is greatly to be lamented, to observe the wanton fearlessnesse of this Age, especially of younger professors, to greet new opinions and Opinionists: as if former truths were grown superannuate, and saplesse, if not altogether antiquate.

From Project Gutenberg

Does it ask of its heroes only a limited term of service, and then superannuate them at an early age, exposing them to peril for a short time and after that withdrawing dangers from their path and surrounding them with the safeguards of a protected respectability?

From Project Gutenberg

He was as ready to offer compensation as we ourselves are when we superannuate a clerk or suppress an office.

From Project Gutenberg