rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryrepealEnding a law or rule
verb / noun

repeal

rih-PEEL/rɪpˈil/

The act of officially ending a law or rule.

Removing the obsolete rule from the legal record symbolizes its official repeal.

A legislative official removes an obsolete rule sheet from a bound legal record, symbolic cancellation without readable text.
Etymology
reOld Frenchback
+pealOld Frenchto call

The original image is 'calling back': the French ancestor could mean both calling something back and revoking it. Repealing a law similarly withdraws it from force rather than merely changing its wording.

In context

The Scottish Parliament47:49
On the motion to repeal the 2021 act, there is no context, no detail or evidence, no proposal for a replacement and no acknowledgement of the consequences of repeal
Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party Debate: Repealing the Hate Crime Act - 17 April 2024

More examples

  • The council repealed the rule after residents complained.
  • Voters want to repeal the extra tax on groceries.
  • The repeal takes effect at the end of the month.

Forms

repeal · repeals · repealed · repealing

Similar words

rescind
Often applies to canceling orders or agreements, not just laws.
revoke
Often means withdrawing permission or a license rather than legislation.
abolish
Can end an entire institution or practice, not just legislation.