verb
Uncommon
repeal
ruh-PEEL
Repeal (verb) means to officially cancel a law. Example: “Parliament voted to repeal the outdated tax law.”
verb
1
To officially cancel a law.
"Parliament voted to repeal the outdated tax law."
"Activists campaigned for years to have the ban repealed."
"The council decided to repeal the rule that banned bikes from the park."
noun
1
The official cancellation of a law.
"The repeal of the act took effect immediately."
"Many people supported the repeal of the old law because it was unfair."
"Lawyers expect a repeal of the regulation before the end of the session."
How to use repeal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo officially undo or cancel a law that used to be in force.
Common mistake
Repeal applies to laws and legislation; don't use it for canceling a personal appointment or event.
Common pairings
repeal a law
call for repeal
repeal and replace
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Word forms
- Plural
- repeals
- Third person singular
- repeals
- Past tense
- repealed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Parliament voted to _____ the outdated tax law.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman repeler, from Old French rapeler, "to call back or revoke," ultimately from Latin repellere, "to drive back." A doublet of repel.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for repeal
See all rhymes for repeal →Frequently asked questions
What does “repeal” mean?
The word “repeal” means to officially cancel a law. In plain terms, to officially undo or cancel a law that used to be in force.
How do you pronounce “repeal”?
“Repeal” is pronounced ruh-PEEL (/ɹəˈpiːl/ in IPA).
How do you use “repeal” in a sentence?
Here is “repeal” used in a sentence: “Parliament voted to repeal the outdated tax law.”
What is another word for “repeal”?
Words with a similar meaning to “repeal” include annul, cancel, invalidate, veto, revoke and rescind.
What part of speech is “repeal”?
Depending on how it is used, “repeal” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “repeal” come from?
The word “repeal” comes from Latin. From Anglo-Norman repeler, from Old French rapeler, "to call back or revoke," ultimately from Latin repellere, "to drive back." A doublet of repel.
Is “repeal” a common word?
“Repeal” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “repeal” have?
“Repeal” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to officially cancel a law.
What is the difference between "repeal" and "amend"?
To repeal a law is to cancel it officially and entirely, so it no longer applies. To amend a law is to change or add to part of it while keeping the law in force. Repeal removes; amendment revises.
What is the difference between "repeal" and "revoke"?
"Repeal" applies specifically to laws or statutes and is usually done by a legislature passing new legislation. "Revoke" is broader and often applies to permissions, licences, or privileges, such as revoking a driving licence.
What is the difference between "repeal" and "overturn"?
Repeal is typically carried out by lawmakers who cancel a law through new legislation. "Overturn" more often describes a court reversing an earlier ruling or decision. Both undo something, but by different means and different bodies.
What is commonly "repealed"?
The word almost always takes legal objects, such as "repeal a law," "repeal an act," "repeal a ban," or "repeal a tax." It refers to the official cancellation of a rule that was previously in force.
