# abrogation

/ˌæbɹəˈɡeɪʃən/ (US) · /ˌæbɹəɡˈeɪʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

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

## Definition

the official act of ending a law, a treaty, or a contract. It is a formal way to say that something is no longer valid.

For teachers: the formal repeal or cancellation of a law, treaty, or contract. Often implies a deliberate and official termination by a competent authority.

## Examples

- The abrogation of the treaty caused a lot of international tension.
- The government announced the abrogation of the old tax law to simplify the financial system for small businesses.
- Legal scholars debated whether the abrogation of the treaty required a two-thirds majority in the senate or if the executive branch could act alone.

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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.