Word
repeal
Phoneticsre·peal, stress on the second syllable
US/ɹiˈpiɫ/
UK/ɹɪpˈiːl/
Definitions
01to cancel a law
C1 · Advanced Law Formal
v. to officially end a law so that it is no longer in effect.
v. to revoke or annul a law, ordinance, or public act by legislative authority.
“The government decided to repeal the unpopular tax law after months of protests.”
“The legislature moved to repeal the outdated statute, arguing that its provisions were no longer compatible with modern constitutional standards.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, typically a law, act, or regulation.
02the act of cancelling a law
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Law Formal
n. the official act of ending a law.
n. the act or instance of revoking or annulling a law or congressional act.
“Campaigners celebrated the repeal of the ban on Sunday trading.”
“The sudden repeal of the trade agreement caused significant volatility in the international markets as investors scrambled to adjust their portfolios.”
Usage
Often used in the construction 'the repeal of [something]'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“The Carney government should repeal the anti-development laws and regulations built up during the Trudeau years.” “The move to repeal the ‘roadless rule’ would pave the way for road construction and logging in nearly 45 million acres of untouched back country.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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