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Proroguing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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proroguing

[prəˈrōɡ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

political procedure

Proroguing refers to the act of discontinuing a session of parliament without dissolving it. This usually occurs at the end of a parliamentary session and can be called by the head of state or a governor. The prorogation ends the current session but does not affect legislation passed before the prorogation.

Synonyms

adjourn, discontinue, suspend.

Examples of usage

  • The prime minister announced the proroguing of parliament.
  • After proroguing, MPs will reconvene in the fall.
  • The opposition criticized the government for proroguing parliament.
  • Proroguing allows the government to reset its agenda.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Political Context

  • Proroguing is often used to end a parliamentary session, allowing politicians a break from legislative duties.
  • In some countries, such as Canada and the UK, proroguing has been a point of political controversy, as it can be seen as a way to avoid certain issues or debates.
  • The power to prorogue is usually held by the head of state and can affect the timing of elections and legislative agenda.

Pop Culture

  • Proroguing gained media attention in 2019 when the UK Prime Minister attempted to suspend Parliament, raising discussions about the power dynamics in governance.
  • Television dramas and political thrillers often depict proroguing as a strategic tool used by leaders to manipulate or control political situations.

Legal Implications

  • There have been legal challenges against proroguing, with courts sometimes intervening to determine its legality and appropriateness.
  • Discussions about proroguing often reflect larger themes of authority and accountability in representative democracies.

International Comparisons

  • Different countries have various rules regarding proroguing. For instance, in Australia, it often leads to a general election while in the UK, it can simply delay proceedings.
  • Countries may use prorogation to navigate political deadlocks, similar to how a timeout can be employed in sports for strategy.

Origin of 'proroguing'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'prorogare', meaning 'to prolong or defer'.
  • Its use has been common in British parliamentary terms since the 16th century, showing its long-standing significance in politics.
  • Related terms include 'rogation', which means a formal request or petition, indicating a process of asking for an extension.

The word 'prorogue' originates from the Latin term 'prorogare', which means 'to prolong or extend'. It is composed of the prefix 'pro-' meaning 'forward' and 'rogare', meaning 'to ask or propose'. This term entered the English lexicon in the late 14th century, reflecting the legal and parliamentary practices of the time. Initially used within the context of extending the terms of administrative and legal processes, it has become specifically associated with parliamentary procedure. The use of proroguing has evolved, particularly in the context of political disputes and strategy, often reflecting the political climate and governmental authority. The ability to prorogue parliament is a power vested in heads of state, and its usage has been subject to scrutiny and debate regarding the balance of power in governance.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,362, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.