Invalidate: meaning, definitions and examples

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invalidate

 

[ ɪnˈvælɪˌdeɪt ]

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To declare something legally void or no longer valid, typically due to an error or irregularity.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

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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?

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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

Translations of the word "invalidate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 invalidar

🇮🇳 अमान्य करना

🇩🇪 ungültig machen

🇮🇩 membatalkan

🇺🇦 анулювати

🇵🇱 unieważnić

🇯🇵 無効にする

🇫🇷 invalider

🇪🇸 invalidar

🇹🇷 geçersiz kılmak

🇰🇷 무효화하다

🇸🇦 إبطال

🇨🇿 zneplatnit

🇸🇰 zrušiť

🇨🇳 使无效

🇸🇮 razveljaviti

🇮🇸 ógilda

🇰🇿 жарамсыз ету

🇬🇪 გაუქმება

🇦🇿 etibarsız etmək

🇲🇽 invalidar

Etymology

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.

See also: unvalidated, validated.

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.