abolish
verb (transitive)
UKəˈbɒl.ɪʃUSəˈbɑː.lɪʃ
to officially end or stop something, especially a law or system
Example Sentences
The government decided to abolish the outdated policy.
Many activists have fought to abolish slavery throughout history.
The new law aims to abolish hidden fees in consumer contracts.
He campaigned to abolish capital punishment in the state.
Over time, some archaic practices have been abolished for the sake of progress.
The environmental group is urging lawmakers to abolish plastic packaging to protect marine life.
In an effort to create a more equitable society, the party leaders vowed to abolish all forms of discriminatory legislation that had been in place for decades.
After years of public demonstrations, parliament voted overwhelmingly to abolish the controversial law, signaling a profound shift in the country's legal framework.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
To formally put an end to a system, practice, or institution.Understanding the Term 'Abolish'
Abolish is a verb used to indicate the act of formally ending or eliminating a system, practice, or institution. It often carries a connotation of significant change and is used in contexts where a permanent cessation is intended.
Examples of Usage
For example, one might abolish:
- Outdated laws
- Unjust policies
- Harmful practices
The term is frequently associated with social, political, and legal reforms, emphasizing the removal of something considered undesirable or no longer necessary.
Using 'Abolish' in a Sentence
When using 'abolish' in a sentence, it is important to pair it with the object being eliminated to clearly convey the intended action. For instance:
- 'The government decided to abolish the outdated tax system.'
- 'Activists are striving to abolish practices that harm the environment.'
Alternatives
Alternative Words for 'Abolish'
Alternative words for 'abolish' include:
- Eliminate
- Eradicate
- Repeal
- Terminate
- Nullify
- Annul
- Remove
- Cancel
- Dissolve
Each of these alternatives carries a slightly different nuance:
- 'Eliminate' and 'eradicate' suggest a complete removal, often with a sense of thoroughness.
- 'Repeal' is typically used in legal or formal contexts, especially regarding laws or regulations.
- 'Terminate' and 'nullify' imply bringing something to an end, with 'nullify' often indicating making something legally invalid.
- 'Annul' is frequently associated with declaring something invalid from the start, such as contracts or marriages.
- 'Remove', 'cancel', and 'dissolve' are more general terms that can apply to a variety of contexts.
Choosing the right alternative depends on the specific context and the nature of what is being ended or eliminated.
Writing
When writing with the word 'abolish', it's essential to clearly state what is being eliminated and the rationale behind it. Use precise language to convey the significance of the action. For example, instead of saying 'We need to abolish bad laws', specify which laws and why they are considered bad: 'We need to abolish laws that infringe on individual freedoms.' Additionally, provide context or examples to support your statements, making your argument more persuasive. Ensure that the tone matches the intent—whether it's advocating for change or reporting on an action taken. Vary sentence structure to maintain reader interest, and use 'abolish' in active voice for clarity: 'The committee abolished the outdated regulations.' Avoid overusing the term; instead, use it strategically to emphasize key points. Consider the audience and tailor your explanation to their level of understanding, providing necessary background information if needed. Incorporate transitions to smoothly connect ideas, and conclude with a strong statement reinforcing the importance of abolishing the specified element. Proofread to ensure grammatical accuracy and coherence in your usage of 'abolish', enhancing the overall effectiveness of your writing.
Casual Conversation
In daily conversations, 'abolish' can be used to discuss changes or eliminate habits and practices. For example, you might say, 'I think we should abolish junk food from our diet,' meaning you want to eliminate unhealthy foods. It can also be used when talking about rules or traditions, like, 'They want to abolish the old school policies,' indicating a desire to remove existing regulations. When using 'abolish' casually, it's helpful to pair it with clear examples to make your point understood. You might also discuss the reasons behind wanting to abolish something, such as saying, 'We need to abolish late-night meetings because they disrupt our sleep schedule.' This makes the conversation more relatable and understandable. Remember that 'abolish' is a strong term, so using it in casual conversation emphasizes the importance or urgency of the change you're discussing. Additionally, you can use it when talking about societal issues, like, 'People are trying to abolish single-use plastics to protect the environment,' to express a commitment to making significant positive changes. Overall, 'abolish' can effectively convey your desire to make meaningful improvements in everyday life through conversation.
Etymology
The word 'abolish' originates from the late Middle English period, derived from the Old French 'abolir', which itself comes from the Latin 'abolere', meaning 'to destroy or do away with'. The Latin roots combine 'ab-' meaning 'away from' and 'olere' meaning 'to consume, to eat', metaphorically implying the consumption or destruction of something. 'Abolish' entered the English language in the 17th century, primarily used in legal and formal contexts to denote the formal ending or repeal of laws, systems, or practices. Over time, its usage has expanded to various contexts, including social and political discourse, emphasizing the intentional and often permanent cessation of an entity. An interesting fact about 'abolish' is its frequent association with significant historical movements, such as the abolition of slavery, where it played a central role in transformative societal changes. This historical context underscores the powerful impact of the term and its enduring relevance in discussions about reform and eradication of undesired practices.
