Invalidation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

❌

Add to dictionary

invalidation

[ɪˌnvalɪˈdeɪʃ(ə)n ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

legal

The action of making something invalid; nullification.

Synonyms

annulment, nullification, voiding.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
invalidation	Use this term in legal or formal contexts when something is being declared not legally valid or acceptable. The invalidation of the contract was due to a breach of terms The court ruled for the invalidation of the election results
nullification	Commonly used in legal and political contexts when something is being rendered legally null and void, often through formal decrees or legislation. The law's nullification was a major victory for civil rights activists There was a discussion regarding the nullification of the trade agreement
voiding	Used to describe the act of making something empty, invalid, or null, often in practical or everyday contexts. The company announced the voiding of all unauthorized transactions He signed the document, voiding the original agreement
annulment	Typically used in legal or religious contexts, especially in reference to declaring something, such as a marriage, completely void from the beginning. Annulment of the marriage was granted by the church The parties sought the annulment of the agreement due to fraud

Examples of usage

The court ruled for the invalidation of the contract.
The invalidation of the will was contested by the family members.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

psychology

The rejection of a person's thoughts, emotions, or experiences as being invalid or unworthy.

Synonyms

delegitimizing, discrediting, dismissing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
invalidation	Similar to the other entry on this list, focused on rendering something ineffective or void, often in a formal context. The policy was subjected to invalidation due to procedural errors The invalidation of the results caused an uproar among the participants
discrediting	Often utilized when attempting to harm someone's reputation or undermine trust in information, carrying a negative connotation. They published a report aimed at discrediting the journalist The scandal discredited the company's public image
dismissing	Employed in both casual and formal situations to indicate rejecting or disregarding something or someone. The manager dismissed the intern's suggestion Critics were quick to dismiss the novel as unoriginal
delegitimizing	Commonly used in political, social, or academic contexts to describe actions aimed at undermining the legitimacy of an entity or idea. The opposition party is accused of delegitimizing the government's efforts Her research was delegitimized by critics due to its controversial findings

Examples of usage

Invalidation from others can lead to feelings of self-doubt and low self-esteem.
She felt a sense of invalidation when her ideas were dismissed by her colleagues.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Invalidation can lead to low self-esteem, causing individuals to doubt their thoughts and feelings.
People often react negatively to invalidation; it can increase feelings of anxiety and depression.
Therapists emphasize the importance of validation for mental health – acknowledging someone’s experiences can aid healing.

Interpersonal Communication

Invalidation often occurs in conversations where one person dismissively interrupts or contradicts the other.
Active listening is a tool used to avoid invalidation; it involves fully concentrating, understanding, and responding appropriately.
Understanding body language can help prevent invalidation, as non-verbal cues often communicate dismissal or agreement.

Cultural Perspectives

In some cultures, expressing feelings openly is valued, while others may inadvertently invalidate emotions by promoting stoicism.
Different communication styles across cultures can lead to misunderstanding, where one party may feel invalidated without intent.
Collectivist cultures may emphasize harmony over individual feelings, sometimes leading to unintentional invalidation.

Literature

In many novels, characters experience invalidation, often driving the plot and their personal development.
Classic literature frequently explores themes of invalidation, such as characters feeling misunderstood by family or society.
In modern literature, authors are increasingly addressing the impact of invalidation on mental health, reflecting contemporary issues.

Technology

In online interactions, comments and posts can lead to feelings of invalidation, especially in the absence of supportive responses.
Social media platforms have been criticized for implementing algorithms that may inadvertently invalidate user experiences by not showing supportive content.
Digital communication lacks physical cues like tone, which can lead to misunderstandings and feelings of invalidation in conversations.

Origin of 'invalidation'

The word 'invalidation' originated from the Latin word 'invalidare', which means 'to weaken' or 'to diminish'. Over time, it has evolved to encompass the idea of nullification or rejection. In legal contexts, invalidation refers to the act of making something legally void or null. In psychology, invalidation refers to the dismissal or rejection of a person's thoughts or emotions, often leading to feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt.