nullification

noun

nul·​li·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌnə-lə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act of nullifying : the state of being nullified

2

: the action of a state impeding or attempting to prevent the operation and enforcement within its territory of a law of the U.S.

3

: jury nullification

nullificationist

ˌnə-lə-fə-ˈkā-sh(ə-)nist 

noun

Synonyms

• abatement
• abolishment
• abolition
• abrogation
• annulment
• avoidance
• cancellation
• cancelation
• defeasance
• dissolution
• invalidation
• negation
• quashing
• repeal
• rescindment
• voiding

Examples of nullification in a Sentence

an act aimed at curbing sedition that was perhaps the most serious attempt at nullification of freedom of the press in the nation's history

Recent Examples on the Web

That makes jury sympathy or nullification more likely. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024

Carter’s Civil Aeronautics Board Example Conscious nullification was uppermost in mind when the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978 shuttered the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB). —Clyde Wayne Crews Jr., Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024

The first challenge to the court’s nullification of Kenyatta’s victory came almost immediately. —Nic Cheeseman, Foreign Affairs, 15 Nov. 2017

In fact, the Supreme Court has said jurors do not have the right to know about their power of nullification. —Chester Eduardo Fernández, Hartford Courant, 1 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing nullification

• jury nullification

Kids Definition

nullification

noun

nul·​li·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌnəl-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act of nullifying : the state of being nullified

2

: the action of a state blocking or attempting to prevent the enforcement within its territory of a federal law of the U.S.

nullificationist

-sh(ə-)nəst 

noun

Legal Definition

nullification

noun

nul·​li·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌnə-lə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

: the act of nullifying : the state of being nullified see also jury nullification