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abolition

n.
US //ˌæbəˈɫɪʃən// UK //ˌæbəlˈɪʃən// abo·li·tion
  1. 1 ending a law or system (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Law

    the act of officially ending a law, a rule, or a system.

    the formal act of abrogation or annulling a law, custom, or institution. Often used in legal or political contexts.

    Example

    Many people campaigned for the abolition of the unfair tax.

    Example

    The sudden abolition of the trade tariffs led to a period of economic instability as local businesses struggled to compete with foreign imports.
  2. 2 ending slavery (n.)
    C1 Advanced General-service

    the historical ending of the slave trade or slavery.

    the historical movement and eventual legal termination of the institution of slavery. Frequently capitalized when referring to specific historical acts.

    Example

    The abolition of slavery was a major turning point in history.

    Example

    Historians continue to debate the primary economic and moral drivers that eventually led to the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade.

    Usage

    Often used with the preposition 'of', as in 'the abolition of slavery'.
Origin

First attested in 1529. Either from Middle French abolition, or directly from Latin abolitiō, from aboleō (“destroy”). Compare French abolition. Equivalent to abolish + -tion.

Word family

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