# rescind

/ɹiˈsɪnd/ (US) · /ɹɪsˈɪnd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rescind
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

to officially cancel or take back a decision, contract, or law. You use this when a formal agreement is no longer valid.

For teachers: to formally cancel or repeal a contract, law, or decision. Transitive — requires a direct object representing the legal or formal instrument being revoked.

## Examples

- The company decided to rescind the offer after the candidate failed the background check.
- The government announced it would rescind the new tax policy following widespread public protests and negative media coverage.
- Legal experts warned that the board's attempt to rescind the merger agreement might face significant challenges if the other party could prove they relied on the original terms in good faith.

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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.