Nullification: meaning, definitions and examples

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nullification

 

[ ˌnʌlɪfɪˈkeɪʃ(ə)n ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

legal process

The act of nullifying; cancellation of a legal decision, agreement, or transaction. It is often done through a formal declaration or court ruling.

Synonyms

annulment, cancellation, voiding

Examples of usage

  • The nullification of the contract was due to a breach of terms by one of the parties.
  • After a lengthy legal battle, the nullification of the verdict brought relief to the defendant.
  • The nullification of the marriage was finalized after months of legal proceedings.
Context #2 | Noun

political context

The action of making something legally null and void; especially the repeal of a law.

Synonyms

invalidation, repeal, revocation

Examples of usage

  • The nullification of the previous administration's policies was a key campaign promise.
  • The nullification of the tax law resulted in significant changes for businesses.
  • The nullification of the treaty was met with mixed reactions from the international community.
Context #3 | Noun

historical context

The doctrine that a state can invalidate any federal law which that state has deemed unconstitutional.

Synonyms

interposition, secession, state's rights

Examples of usage

  • The concept of nullification was a hotly debated issue leading up to the Civil War.
  • Nullification was a central tenet of the states' rights movement in the 19th century.
  • The idea of nullification was enshrined in the political beliefs of certain states.

Translations

Translations of the word "nullification" in other languages:

🇵🇹 anulação

🇮🇳 अमान्यता

🇩🇪 Annullierung

🇮🇩 pembatalan

🇺🇦 анулювання

🇵🇱 unieważnienie

🇯🇵 無効化 (むこうか)

🇫🇷 annulation

🇪🇸 anulación

🇹🇷 iptal

🇰🇷 무효화 (無效化)

🇸🇦 إبطال

🇨🇿 zrušení

🇸🇰 zrušenie

🇨🇳 取消

🇸🇮 razveljavitev

🇮🇸 ógilding

🇰🇿 жою

🇬🇪 გაუქმება

🇦🇿 ləğv

🇲🇽 anulación

Word origin

The term 'nullification' has its roots in Latin, with 'nullus' meaning 'none' or 'no' and 'facere' meaning 'to make.' The concept of nullification has been historically significant in legal and political contexts, often representing the act of voiding or canceling something. In the United States, the idea of nullification was notably debated during the 19th century in relation to states' rights and federal laws. Today, nullification continues to be a topic of discussion in various legal and political spheres.

See also: annuller, nullifier, nullify.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,691, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.