annul

[ uh-nuhl ]

verb (used with object)

, an·nulled, an·nul·ling.

1. (especially of laws or other established rules, usages, etc.) to make void or null; abolish; cancel; invalidate:

   to annul a marriage.

   Synonyms: repeal, rescind, nullify

2. to reduce to nothing; obliterate.
3. to cancel (a regularly scheduled train, plane, social event, etc.) for one day or one time only.

annul

/ əˈnʌl /

verb

1. tr to make (something, esp a law or marriage) void; cancel the validity of; abolish

Derived Forms

• anˈnullable, adjective

Other Words From

• an·nulla·ble adjective
• self-an·nulling adjective
• unan·nulla·ble adjective
• unan·nulled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of annul¹

1375–1425; late Middle English < Anglo-French annuler < Late Latin adnūllāre render null (calque of Greek exoudeneîn ), equivalent to ad- ad- + -nullāre, verbal derivative of Latin nūllus no, not any

Word History and Origins

Origin of annul¹

C14: from Old French annuller, from Late Latin annullāre to bring to nothing, from Latin nullus not any; see null

Example Sentences

My Vote has called for the results from 196 polling stations to be annulled, alleging that they accounted for an extra 300,000 votes.

From BBC

"We are disappointed with today’s decision as previously the General Court reviewed the facts and categorically annulled this case," Apple added.

From BBC

Over the summer a regional court ruled in favour of the two Islamic centres and annulled the town council’s order banning collective prayer.

From BBC

According to Titi Anggraini, an elections analyst at University of Indonesia, parliament's move to annul the court's decision is unconstitutional.

From BBC

Their marriage was annulled after eight months, but not before it threatened to ruin her reputation.

From BBC

Related Words

• abolish
• abrogate
• cancel
• declare
• delete
• dissolve
• expunge
• invalidate
• nullify
• quash
• repeal
• rescind
• retract
• reverse
• revoke
• undo
• vacate