# revocation

/ˌɹɛvəˈkeɪʃən/ (US) · /ɹɪvəkˈeɪʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/revocation
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

the act of officially taking back a right, permission, or license. It usually happens because someone broke a rule or failed to follow the law.

For teachers: the formal act of annulling or cancelling a previous grant, right, or legal status. Often used in legal or administrative contexts regarding licenses, patents, or diplomatic titles.

## Examples

- The revocation of his driver's license was a surprise to everyone.
- The government announced the revocation of the company's environmental permit after several safety violations were discovered.
- The sudden revocation of the diplomatic passports served as a stark warning to the foreign government regarding the seriousness of the recent border dispute.

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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.