# abrogate

/ˈæbɹəˌɡeɪt/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abrogate
Updated: 2026-08-14

## Definition

to end a law, agreement, or formal right so it is no longer valid. This is a very formal way to say something is officially cancelled or repealed.

For teachers: to repeal or formally abolish a law, right, or agreement. A transitive verb used in formal legal or political discourse.

## Examples

- The government can abrogate old treaties.
- Parliament must vote to abrogate any law that is found to be unconstitutional.
- The court's controversial ruling effectively abrogated the community's long-held customary rights, which had existed for centuries but were never formally codified.

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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.