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Annulment: meaning, definitions and examples

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annulment

 

[ˈænʌlmənt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

legal procedure

The act of annulling, especially the formal declaration that a marriage is void and has never taken place.

Synonyms

cancellation, nullification, voiding.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
annulment

Used primarily in legal contexts, particularly regarding the invalidation of marriages or contracts.

  • The couple sought an annulment of their marriage.
  • The contract was declared void through annulment.
nullification

Often used in legal or formal settings to describe the act of rendering something void and without legal force.

  • The government announced the nullification of the unfair law.
  • The nullification of the contract was necessary due to fraud.
cancellation

Used for general contexts when an event, service, or agreement is called off or terminated.

  • The concert was cancelled due to bad weather.
  • I had to call the airline for a flight cancellation.
voiding

Used in both informal and legal contexts to describe making something invalid or null, often used with policies or documents.

  • The voiding of the policy required a series of legal steps.
  • She voided the check after realizing the mistake.

Examples of usage

  • The annulment of their marriage was a long and complicated process.
  • After the annulment, they were no longer legally married.
  • The annulment was granted by the court.
  • The annulment was based on evidence of fraud.
  • She sought an annulment of the marriage.

Interesting Facts

Legal History

  • The concept dates back to ancient Rome, where marriages could be declared invalid under certain conditions.
  • In medieval Europe, annulments were often sought on religious grounds, specifically by the Catholic Church, requiring specific reasons to dissolve the marriage.
  • In many jurisdictions, annulments differ from divorces because they treat the marriage as though it never existed, rather than ending an existing union.

Cultural Significance

  • In some cultures, annulment carries a significant social stigma, reflecting the belief that a failed marriage was a moral failing.
  • The prevalence of annulments can vary greatly between countries, with some cultures viewing them as a practical solution to marriage issues, while others may advocate for more traditional divorce processes.

Psychological Impact

  • Individuals undergoing annulment may experience a complex range of emotions, from relief to loss, often needing support to navigate these feelings.
  • Research indicates that the process of annulment can lead to questions about personal identity and self-worth, particularly in cultures where marriage holds a central position.

Contemporary Issues

  • Modern annulments often highlight issues like forced marriages or marriages that lack consent, raising questions about individual rights and autonomy in relationships.
  • Celebrity annulments tend to get extensive media coverage, often reflecting society's fascination with the pressures and expectations of marriage.

Religious Perspectives

  • In Catholicism, annulments are referred to as 'declarations of nullity' and are seen as a way to restore individuals to a state where they can remarry in the church.
  • Other religions have their own processes for declaring a marriage null, which can involve community leaders or religious courts, depending on doctrine.

Translations

Translations of the word "annulment" in other languages:

🇵🇹 anulação

🇮🇳 निरस्तीकरण

🇩🇪 Aufhebung

🇮🇩 pembatalan

🇺🇦 анулювання

🇵🇱 unieważnienie

🇯🇵 無効

🇫🇷 annulation

🇪🇸 anulación

🇹🇷 iptal

🇰🇷 무효화

🇸🇦 إلغاء

🇨🇿 zrušení

🇸🇰 zrušenie

🇨🇳 取消

🇸🇮 razveljavitev

🇮🇸 ógilding

🇰🇿 жою

🇬🇪 გაუქმება

🇦🇿 ləğv

🇲🇽 anulación

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,034, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.