Nullify

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /ˈnʌlɪfaɪ/

Definitions

1. to make something legally invalid or to cancel its effect completely
2. To render something ineffective or to cancel its legal validity entirely
3. To invalidate a decision, rendering it without legal force while revoking its impact

Etymology: "Nullify" is a plain formation: the Latin-derived "null" (from Latin "nullus," meaning "not any," via Old French "nul") with the English verbal suffix "-ify," which came through Old French "-ifier" from Latin "-ificare," meaning "to make." Put together, the word literally means "to make null." The suffix carries most of the sense. "-Ify" is the same ending found in "simplify," "justify," and "purify," so "nullify" follows that pattern exactly. English took the suffix in the Middle English period, and it was applied to "null" to form a verb meaning to make something have no force or effect. Because the word is built so transparently from "null," its meaning has stayed close to that root. Today it is most often used of laws, contracts and agreements that are declared void, which fits the original sense of making something count for nothing.

Synonyms: invalidate, annul, revoke, cancel, void

Antonyms: validate, confirm, uphold, authorize, allow