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Nullify Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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nullify

[ˈnʌlɪfaɪ ]

Definitions

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

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

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

  • In law, to nullify a contract means to declare it void, so it has no legal effect.
  • Court rulings can nullify previous laws, reflecting changes in societal values or interpretations.
  • The concept of nullification played a key role in American history, particularly with regard to state vs. federal laws.

Philosophical Implications

  • Philosophers often discuss the idea of nullification in ethics, questioning what it means to negate moral laws.
  • In metaphysics, to nullify can lead to discussions about existence and reality – contemplating what it means for something to 'not be'.
  • The idea of nullifying assumptions is crucial in critical thinking and argumentation.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and TV shows sometimes feature characters who try to nullify their past mistakes or decisions, leading to engaging storylines.
  • Popular games feature mechanics where players can nullify or reverse previous actions, adding strategic depth.
  • The concept appears in various songs and literature, often symbolizing the desire to wipe the slate clean.

Science

  • In physics, nullification can relate to canceling out forces or effects in experiments, leading to balanced equations.
  • Nullifying effects in chemistry can be essential for creating stable compounds, particularly in reactions.
  • In computer science, null values are used in programming to represent 'no value' or 'no object', which can sometimes cause unexpected results.

Origin of 'nullify'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'nullificare', where 'nullus' means 'no' and 'facere' means 'to make'.
  • Initially used around the 15th century, the term was commonly associated with legal contexts in early English law.
  • The use of 'nullify' has expanded over time to include various contexts, from legal to everyday language.

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.