# abolitionary

CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abolitionary
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

relating to the act of officially ending a system or practice, like slavery or the death penalty.

For teachers: relating to the formal or legal removal of an institution, practice, or system. Often used in political or legal contexts to describe the process of ending something.

## Examples

- The abolitionary movement worked for many years.
- The new law was an abolitionary step toward ending the outdated practice of forced labor.
- Historians often debate whether the abolitionary measures were a sudden revolution or a gradual shift in public opinion over several decades.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.