invalidate

[in-val-i-deyt]

verb (used with object)

invalidated, invalidating 

1. to render invalid; discredit.

   Synonyms: rebut, refute, disprove, impair, weaken

2. to deprive of legal force or efficacy; nullify.

invalidate

/ ɪnˈvælɪˌdeɪt /

verb

1. to render weak or ineffective, as an argument

2. to take away the legal force or effectiveness of; annul, as a contract

Other Word Forms

• invalidation noun
• invalidator noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of invalidate¹

First recorded in 1640–50; invalid ² + -ate ¹

Example Sentences

The justices backed up that ruling a short time later, invalidating a federal law banning desecration of the flag that was passed in Johnson’s wake.

From Salon

“We cannot and we won’t let this mistake invalidate the will of the voters,” Hahn said.

From Los Angeles Times

The move — a political tactic sometimes referred to as a “poison pill” — would have invalidated the entire spending plan had the Senate bill not been approved, allowing Newsom to advance his priority of accelerating development.

From Los Angeles Times

Bass said she and other city leaders would not be intimidated by the lawsuit, which seeks to invalidate sanctuary policies that prohibit city resources from being used in federal immigration enforcement in most cases.

From Los Angeles Times

When asked by BBC News NI about transactions using school credit cards referenced in the interim report, the board of governors said that they were unable to respond to what they called "invalidated documentation."

From BBC

Related Words

• abolish 
• abrogate 
• annul 
• discredit 
• disqualify 
• impair 
• negate 
• nullify 
• overrule 
• quash 
• revoke 
• undermine 
• undo