nullification

[nuhl-uh-fi-key-shuhn]

noun

1. an act or instance of nullifying.

2. the state of being nullified.

3. the failure or refusal of a U.S. state to aid in enforcement of federal laws within its limits, especially on Constitutional grounds.

nullification

1. The doctrine that states can set aside federal laws. Urged in the late 1820s by John C. Calhoun, nullification precipitated a crisis between Calhoun and President Andrew Jackson. The doctrine was foreshadowed by Thomas Jefferson's draft of the Kentucky Resolutions. (See Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions.)

Other Word Forms

• nullificationist noun
• nullificator noun
• nonnullification noun
• renullification noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of nullification¹

First recorded in 1620–30; from Late Latin nūllificātiōn- (stem of nūllificātiō ) “contempt,” equivalent to nūllificāt(us) (past participle of nūllificāre “to despise, contemn”) + -iōn- -ion; nullify

Example Sentences

Their tactics include voter nullification, suppression, gerrymandering, lawsuits, dark money and even threats of violence.

From Salon

In an overheated rant posted to X, the Trump adviser said that Bass and Newsom sought the "nullification... of federal law, of national sovereignty, and of the bedrock constitutional command of one national government."

From Salon

No voter nullification, voter suppression or other skullduggery and interference will be needed.

From Salon

“I see a very real risk of jury nullification in the case. I haven't seen something like this since OJ, where there is so much sympathy for the accused.”

From Salon

Voter nullification and voter suppression targeting African-Americans in the key battleground states also hurt Harris’ chances of victory.

From Salon

Related Words

• abolishment www.thesaurus.com
• abrogation 
• annulment 
• revocation