Abolish Meaning
/əˈbɒlɪʃ/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
verbTo end a law, system, institution, custom or practice.
verbTo put an end to or destroy, as a physical object; to wipe out.
Sentence Examples
We have to abolish all nuclear weapons, because they are deadly to mankind.
An overwhelming majority voted to abolish the brutal punishment.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
None
Antonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
The new government promised to completely ____ the outdated law immediately.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The government plans to ____ the outdated tax law next year.
Word Origin & History
From late Middle English abolisshen, from Middle French aboliss-, extended stem of abolir, from Latin abolēre (“to retard, check the growth of, (and by extension) destroy, abolish”), and inchoative abolēscere (“to wither, vanish, cease”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"The abolition of the death penalty in international law"
— 2002, William Schabas, The abolition of the death penalty in international law, Cambridge University Press, title:
"And with thy blood abolish so reproachful blot."
— 1590, Edmund Spenser, The Faerie Queene:
"His quick instinctive hand Caught at the hilt, as to abolish him."
— 1892, Alfred Tennyson, The Marriage of Geraint:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The new government promised to completely ____ the outdated law immediately.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The government plans to ____ the outdated tax law next year.