annul

[uh-nuhl]

verb (used with object)

annulled, annulling 

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

Other Word Forms

• annullable adjective
• self-annulling adjective
• unannullable adjective
• unannulled 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

Italy’s Supreme Court ultimately annulled the case against them in 2015.

From Salon

Israel’s Supreme Court in July annulled parts of a surrogacy law that prevented gay couples from having children through a surrogate.

From Los Angeles Times

The current holder of that position, Christian Schmidt, annulled the laws concerned.

From BBC

The UK's former Conservative government attempted a not dissimilar plan that was later annulled.

From BBC

When he came from nowhere to win the first round, the vote was annulled.

From BBC

Related Words

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