Repudiatory: meaning, definitions and examples

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repudiatory

 

[ rɪˈpjuːdiətəri ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

legal terminology

Repudiatory refers to the act of rejecting or refusing to acknowledge a contract or agreement. It indicates a clear intention to sever ties or disaffirm an obligation, often leading to legal implications.

Synonyms

abandonment, disaffirmation, disavowal, rejection.

Examples of usage

  • The repudiatory breach of contract led to a lawsuit.
  • Her repudiatory actions made it clear she would not fulfill her obligations.
  • The court found the defendant's behavior to be repudiatory.

Etymology

The term 'repudiatory' originates from the Latin word 'repudiare', which means to reject or refuse. This Latin root is formed from 're-' meaning 'back' or 'again', and 'pudere' which translates to 'to be ashamed'. Over time, the word evolved through Old French and Middle English into its modern form. It has been widely adopted in legal contexts to describe actions that signify the refusal to accept terms or conditions of a contract or legal agreement. The semantics of the word reflect the concept of shame related to the refusal or rejection of obligations. In contemporary usage, 'repudiatory' appears frequently in legal documents and discussions around contract law, highlighting the serious ramifications associated with such actions.