Invalidate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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invalidate

[ɪnˈvælɪˌdeɪt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

legal

To declare something legally void or no longer valid, typically due to an error or irregularity.

Synonyms

annul, cancel, nullify, void.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
invalidate	Used when nullifying a statement, argument, or decision by proving it wrong or ineffective. New evidence can invalidate the current theory. The court may invalidate the election results if fraud is proven.
nullify	Used to legally or formally render something ineffective or void. The contract was nullified by the judge due to fraud. Any agreement made under duress can be nullified.
void	Used to describe something that is legally or officially without effect or force. The court declared the agreement void due to a lack of consent. Any unauthorized changes will make this contract void.
annul	Often used in the legal context to declare a marriage, law, or contract null and void as if it never existed. They decided to annul their marriage after finding out they were distant relatives. The Supreme Court can annul laws that are unconstitutional.
cancel	Commonly used to terminate an event, order, or subscription before it takes place or is fulfilled. We had to cancel our flight due to bad weather. I need to cancel my magazine subscription.

Examples of usage

The court decided to invalidate the contract due to a breach of terms.
The judge invalidated the evidence because it was obtained illegally.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

general

To make something not legally acceptable or officially recognized.

Synonyms

disqualify, negate, nullify, void.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
invalidate	Use when undermining the validity or credibility of something, such as an argument, statement, or document. The discovery of new evidence could invalidate his theory. The contract has been invalidated due to the lack of signatures.
disqualify	Appropriate in competitive or procedural contexts where a person or entity is removed from participation due to rules or standards violations. The athlete was disqualified for using performance-enhancing drugs. Failure to meet the deadline will disqualify the application.
void	Typically used in legal or transactional contexts to indicate that something is no longer valid or has no legal force. The cheque was void after the mistake was discovered. A contract signed under duress is considered void.
nullify	Commonly used in legal and formal contexts to describe the act of making something legally void or ineffective. The court's ruling will nullify the previous agreement. The new policy will nullify any previous understanding between the parties.
negate	Utilized when counteracting or nullifying the effect or existence of something, often in a broad or abstract sense. The recent actions negate all progress we've made. Having a ticket doesn’t negate the requirement to carry identification.

Examples of usage

The error in the document invalidated the entire report.
His actions invalidated his claim to the inheritance.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

In law, to invalidate a contract means that it is treated as if it never existed.
Court decisions can invalidate previous rulings, showing how legal interpretations can change over time.
A law can be invalidated if it is found to violate the constitution.

Technology

In computer science, invalidation can refer to discarding cached data to ensure that updated information is used.
When a digital signature is found to be invalid, it means that the authenticity of the document cannot be guaranteed.
In validating user input on websites, developers often invalidate incorrect entries to enhance security.

Psychology

Invalidation can occur in relationships when one person's feelings or opinions are dismissed, which can lead to emotional distress.
Research shows that emotional invalidation can impact mental health, especially for individuals with anxiety or depression.
In therapy, validating a person's feelings is important to provide support and foster a safe space.

Cultural Perspectives

Different cultures have varying attitudes toward validation; in collectivist societies, group consensus can invalidate individual viewpoints.
Social media can lead to feelings of invalidation when users perceive their posts as receiving little engagement or recognition.
Movements advocating for rights often focus on validating marginalized voices that have been historically invalidated.

Origin of 'invalidate'

Main points about word origin

The word 'invalidate' comes from the Latin 'invalidare', meaning 'to make invalid'.
It combines 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'validus', which means 'strong' or 'powerful'.
The word has been used in English since the late 14th century, primarily in legal and philosophical contexts.

The word 'invalidate' originates from the Latin word 'invalidare', which means 'to weaken' or 'to make invalid'. The prefix 'in-' denotes negation, while 'validate' comes from the Latin 'validus', meaning 'strong' or 'effective'. Over time, 'invalidate' has evolved to connote the act of making something legally void or null.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,151, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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14148 strait
14149 prostrate
14150 averse
14151 invalidate
14152 pathogen
14153 interdependent
14154 loft
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