# repeal

/ɹiˈpiɫ/ (US) · /ɹɪpˈiːl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/repeal
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. to cancel a law

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to officially end a law so that it is no longer in effect.

For teachers: 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- The legislature moved to repeal the outdated statute, arguing that its provisions were no longer compatible with modern constitutional standards.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.

### 2. the act of cancelling a law

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the official act of ending a law.

For teachers: 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]'.

## Examples

- The repeal of the old tax law pleased many people.
- After years of public protest, the government finally announced the repeal of the controversial trade restrictions.
- Legal scholars argued that the sudden repeal of the environmental protections would create a regulatory vacuum that local authorities were unprepared to fill.

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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.