Nullify: meaning, definitions and examples

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nullify

 

[ ˈnʌlɪfaɪ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

in law

Cancel out or make ineffective.

Synonyms

annul, invalidate, void.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
nullify

Used to describe making something legally null and void or ineffective. Often found in legal, official, or formal contexts.

  • The new evidence could nullify the previous court ruling.
  • The contract was nullified due to fraud.
invalidate

Used to describe making something not valid, generally in legal, scientific, or official contexts. It can be used for documents, procedures, or findings.

  • The judge invalidated the will because it was not signed correctly.
  • The new research could invalidate the old theories.
annul

Typically used in legal or official contexts to declare something invalid from the beginning. Often used in relation to contracts, marriages, or official decisions.

  • The court decided to annul the marriage due to the discovery of deceit.
  • Their agreement was annulled because it was signed under duress.
void

Often used to describe making something completely empty or without effect, particularly in legal and formal contexts. It has a slightly more casual usage compared to others.

  • The agreement was declared void due to missing signatures.
  • Her ticket became void after the event was canceled.

Examples of usage

  • The judge nullified the contract between the two parties.
  • The new evidence nullified the previous ruling.
Context #2 | Verb

general

Make of no use or value; cancel out.

Synonyms

invalidate, negate, neutralize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
nullify

Use this in legal or formal situations when you want to cancel or void something officially.

  • The court decided to nullify the contract.
  • New evidence could nullify the initial verdict.
negate

Use this when you want to deny or undo the effect or existence of something.

  • The benefits of the new system may negate its high cost.
  • He tried to negate the negative impact by offering an apology.
neutralize

This is best used when you want to make something ineffective or counterbalance its effect, often used in scientific or strategic contexts.

  • They used a chemical to neutralize the acid spill.
  • The security measures were enough to neutralize the threat.
invalidate

This is appropriate when you disprove or cancel something by showing it is not correct or no longer valid.

  • His research was invalidated due to incorrect data.
  • The new policy will invalidate all previous agreements.

Examples of usage

  • The bad weather nullified our plans for a picnic.
  • The positive outcome nullified the earlier setbacks.

Translations

Translations of the word "nullify" in other languages:

🇵🇹 anular

🇮🇳 निरस्त करना

🇩🇪 annullieren

🇮🇩 membatalkan

🇺🇦 анулювати

🇵🇱 unieważnić

🇯🇵 無効にする

🇫🇷 annuler

🇪🇸 anular

🇹🇷 geçersiz kılmak

🇰🇷 무효로 하다

🇸🇦 إلغاء

🇨🇿 anulovat

🇸🇰 anulovať

🇨🇳 使无效

🇸🇮 razveljaviti

🇮🇸 ógilda

🇰🇿 жарамсыз ету

🇬🇪 გაუქმება

🇦🇿 ləğv etmək

🇲🇽 anular

Etymology

The word 'nullify' originated from the Latin word 'nullificare', which is a combination of 'nullus' meaning 'none' and 'facere' meaning 'to make'. The concept of nullification has been used in legal contexts for centuries, referring to the act of rendering something void or invalid. Over time, 'nullify' has also come to be used in general contexts to indicate making something ineffective or of no value.

See also: annuller, nullification, nullifier.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,157, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.