Abolished

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /əˈbɒlɪʃt/

Definitions

1. To have completely extinguished a previously established system, law, or custom that was operational
2. Ended a law, system, or practice officially and permanently
3. Put a stop to an established rule or custom by formal action

Etymology: "Abolished" is the past form of "abolish," which entered English in late Middle English from Middle French "abolir." That French verb in turn came from Latin "abolēre," meaning "to check the growth of" or, by extension, "to destroy." The Latin verb had an inchoative relative, "abolēscere," meaning "to wither" or "to vanish," so the underlying image is of something fading out of existence rather than being torn down. The Latin sense of destruction was not the only one in play. Growth-checking was the earlier, more literal meaning, and the idea of ending something outright grew out of it. English kept the formal, deliberate tone of the Latin root: an institution is abolished by decision, not simply allowed to wither, which is why the word suits laws, customs and practices that are formally brought to an end.

Synonyms: canceled, terminated, repealed

Antonyms: established, instituted