repeal

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.

“Repeal” is pronounced ruh-PEEL (/ɹəˈpiːl/ in IPA).

Here is “repeal” used in a sentence: “Parliament voted to repeal the outdated tax law.”

Words with a similar meaning to “repeal” include annul, cancel, invalidate, veto, revoke and rescind.

Depending on how it is used, “repeal” can be a verb and a noun.

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.

“Repeal” is an uncommon word in modern English.

“Repeal” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to officially cancel a law.

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.

"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.

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.

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.