Words / C2

ABR-uh-gayt/ˈæbrəɡeɪt/

To abrogate is to repeal or cancel a law, right, or agreement formally: abrogate a treaty, abrogated overnight. To repeal (already in the dictionary) is to cancel a law; to revoke (already in the dictionary) is to cancel a right or document, and to nullify (already in the dictionary) is to make something of no effect. A gala is not a licence to drop the embargo.

Meaning

To repeal or cancel a law, right, or agreement formally.

Examples

• “Do not abrogate the embargo because the gala is tonight.”
• “To repeal is to cancel a law (already in C1). To revoke is to cancel a right (already in C1). To nullify is to make void (already in C2). A dated yes-or-no on circulation can still be exact. Warmth in the room instead of the rule is a hole. Name the embargo; manner is optional after that.”

Good to know

Formally repeal or cancel. Everyday-close: cancel. Close: repeal / revoke (already in C1). Contrast: nullify (make void — already in C2). A gala is not a repeal.

Near in meaning

repeal, revoke, rescind, annul

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