# repealing

/ɹiˈpiɫɪŋ/ (US) · /ɹɪpˈiːlɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/repealing
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

to officially end a law or a formal agreement so that it is no longer valid.

For teachers: the act of revoking or annulling a law, ordinance, or public policy by legislative action. Present participle of 'repeal', often used to describe the formal process of legislative reversal.

## Examples

- The government is repealing the old tax law next month.
- By repealing the outdated trade restrictions, the administration hopes to encourage more international investment in the local economy.
- The constitutional court is currently reviewing the legality of repealing the environmental protections that were established during the previous decade.

## Pitfalls

- Not "repealing about the law" but "repealing the law" — Repeal is a transitive verb; it does not take a preposition like 'about' before the object.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, typically a law, act, or regulation.

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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.