Word of the Day: Abrogate

Abrogate:  ab-re-gate

Part of speech:  verb

Origin:  Latin, early 16^th century

1.  To repeal or abolish by means of a formal action.

2.  To discontinue, put aside, or put an end to something.

Examples used in a sentence:

1.  The new prime minister’s first action in office was to abrogate the unpopular tax laws

2.  The student council successfully lobbied to abrogate the school uniform policy, and jeans and sneakers quickly became the norm.

About Abrogate

Prohibition was spurred by the 18^th Amendment, banning the sale and consumption of alcohol in the United States, and took effect in 1919.  The unpopular law to abrogate drinking is considered to be a failure, as people still found ways to drink and criminals made massive amounts of money off bootlegging.  In 1933 the 21^st Amendment repealed the 18^th, becoming the only amendment to abrogate another.

Did You Know?

“Abrogate” is just one term used to imply ending something.  Synonyms include “nullify,” “negate,” “annuli,” and “invalidate,” but they all different nuances of meaning.  Use “abrogate” when there is an official or formal action being taken.