Repeal: meaning, definitions and examples

Use in legal and legislative contexts when formally withdrawing or revoking a law or statute.

• The government decided to repeal the outdated law.
• The senator introduced a bill to repeal the tax increase.

Typically used in legal and formal contexts when taking back or withdrawing permissions, rights, or documents.

• The authorities had to revoke his driver's license after the accident.
• The company decided to revoke her access to sensitive information.

Commonly used in legal and formal settings, especially regarding the nullification of agreements or marriages as if they never existed.

• The court decided to annul the marriage due to fraud.
• They sought to annul the contract because it was signed under duress.

Use in everyday language when stopping or calling off plans, events, or arrangements.

• We had to cancel the meeting due to bad weather.
• She decided to cancel her subscription to the magazine.

Used mostly in a legal or formal setting when a law or regulation is officially revoked.

• The government decided to repeal the old tax law
• The controversial policy was repealed after much public outcry

Commonly used to describe the act of taking something back, such as an offer, support, or troops, often in personal or professional situations.

• She decided to withdraw her application
• The country opted to withdraw its troops from the conflict zone

Used when taking back a statement, promise, or accusation. Can be used in both formal and informal settings.

• The journalist had to retract the incorrect statement
• He quickly retracted his promise when he realized he couldn't keep it

Typically used in formal contexts when an order, agreement, or contract is officially cancelled.

• The boss decided to rescind the order due to unforeseen circumstances
• The company had to rescind the job offer after finding discrepancies in the resume