diriment

[ dir-uh-muhnt ]

adjective

1. causing to become wholly void; nullifying.

diriment

/ ˈdɪrɪmənt /

adjective

1. (of an impediment to marriage in canon law) totally invalidating
2. rare.
   nullifying

Word History and Origins

Origin of diriment¹

1840–50; < Latin diriment-, stem of dirimēns, present participle of dirimere; diremption

Word History and Origins

Origin of diriment¹

C19: from Latin dirimēns separating, from Latin dirimere to part, from dis- ¹+ emere to obtain

Example Sentences

Example: One may not contract marriage with a diriment impediment, on the plea that the Church would not wish the impediments to oblige under the serious inconvenience that exists in one's case.

From Project Gutenberg

Example: In itself, it is not unlawful to make an informal will, but it is unlawful to marry with a diriment impediment.

From Project Gutenberg

The impediment of disparity of worship became diriment through custom; it was custom that introduced the obligation of the Divine Office, and that mitigated the early law of fast.

From Project Gutenberg

Example: If in a pagan country Christians were so few that they could marry only infidels, and if distance or other circumstances made it impossible to seek a dispensation, the diriment impediment of disparity of worship would seem to cease for those Christians.

From Project Gutenberg

Caius is going to the altar to be married; Claudius knows of a diriment impediment to the marriage, but cannot make it known without causing a scene and giving great scandal.

From Project Gutenberg