VocabDictionary

nullify

/ˈnʌl.ɪ.faɪ/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.verb

To counteract the force or effectiveness of something.

Example Sentences:
  • His calm demeanor helped to nullify the tension in the room.
  • The team's strong defense managed to nullify the opponent's star striker.
2.verb

To make legally null and void; to invalidate or render ineffective.

Example Sentences:
  • The court decided to nullify the contract due to a breach of terms by the supplier.
  • The new legislation effectively nullified the previous environmental protections.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “nullify”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'nullus' (meaning 'none' or 'not any') combined with the suffix '-fy' (from the Latin 'facere', meaning 'to make'). It entered Middle English via the Old French 'nullifier', originally used in legal contexts to describe the act of rendering a document or contract void.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of 'null' (zero) + 'ify' (to make). To nullify is to make something equal to zero or nothing.

Frequently Asked Questions About “nullify

1. What is the meaning of “nullify” in English?

In English, nullify (verb) is defined as: “To counteract the force or effectiveness of something.”.

2. How do you use “nullify” in a sentence?

His calm demeanor helped to nullify the tension in the room.

3. What are English synonyms of “nullify”?

Common synonyms include:invalidate,annul,negate,cancel,void

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “nullify”?

Derived from the Latin 'nullus' (meaning 'none' or 'not any') combined with the suffix '-fy' (from the Latin 'facere', meaning 'to make'). It entered Middle English via the Old French 'nullifier', originally used in legal contexts to describe the act of rendering a document or contract void.