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Annulment Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

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.

Origin of 'annulment'

The word 'annulment' originated from the Latin word 'annullare', meaning 'to make nothing'. In legal terms, annulment refers to the act of declaring something invalid from the beginning, as if it never existed. It is commonly used in the context of marriage, where an annulment declares a marriage void, as if it never happened. The history of annulment dates back to ancient times, with various cultures having their own laws and procedures for annulment.

See also: annul.

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.