abolished
/əˈbɑlɪʃt/
VERB
1. Ended a law, system, institution, or practice
Formally put an end to a law, rule, system, institution, custom, or established practice so that it no longer existed or operated.
1.1. Repealing laws and regulations
Officially ended or removed a law, statute, regulation, or legal requirement so that it was no longer in force.
Synonyms
- repealed
- abrogated
- annulled
- rescinded
- revoked
- nullified
- invalidated
- struck down
Antonyms
- enacted
- legislated
- established
- instituted
- authorized
- ratified
- upheld
Examples
- The government abolished the outdated tax law to stimulate economic growth.
- Slavery was officially abolished in the country after decades of advocacy and struggle.
Related Words
- legislation
- statute
- regulation
- legal framework
- repeal
- amendment
- jurisdiction
1.2. Ending institutions and established systems
Brought an organized institution, governing structure, administrative arrangement, or established system to an official end.
Synonyms
- dissolved
- disbanded
- dismantled
- disestablished
- terminated
- discontinued
- eliminated
Antonyms
- established
- founded
- created
- instituted
- maintained
- preserved
- continued
Examples
- The old administrative system was abolished after the government introduced sweeping reforms.
Related Words
- institution
- organization
- administration
- governance
- structure
- framework
- disbandment
1.3. Ending customs and social practices
Put an end to a traditional custom, social convention, discriminatory practice, or repeated behavior that was no longer accepted or considered desirable.
Synonyms
- eradicated
- eliminated
- stamped out
- rooted out
- extirpated
- discontinued
- did away with
Antonyms
- preserved
- maintained
- continued
- perpetuated
- promoted
- upheld
Examples
- After years of advocacy, the community finally saw the unjust practice abolished.
- The dictator's regime brutally abolished freedom of speech and assembly.
Related Words
- tradition
- custom
- convention
- discrimination
- social reform
- eradication
- social change
1.4. Cancelling policies and requirements
Officially cancelled or withdrew a policy, restriction, directive, or requirement so that it no longer applied.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- approved
- authorized
- confirmed
- enforced
- maintained
- reinstated
- preserved
Examples
- The company's new policy effectively abolished the use of single-use plastics in its operations.
Related Words
- policy
- requirement
- restriction
- directive
- mandate
- cancellation
- withdrawal
VERB
2. Destroyed or completely eliminated something
Put an end to something by destroying, demolishing, or wiping it out completely.
2.1. Destroying physical objects or structures
Completely destroyed, demolished, or dismantled a physical object or structure so that it no longer remained in its original form.
Synonyms
- destroyed
- demolished
- annihilated
- obliterated
- razed
- dismantled
- wrecked
- pulverized
- flattened
Antonyms
- built
- constructed
- created
- erected
- restored
- rebuilt
- preserved
Related Words
- demolition
- destruction
- ruin
- devastation
- wreckage
- dismantling
- disintegration
2.2. Wiping out or eradicating something completely
Removed or destroyed something entirely, such as a threat, harmful condition, or unwanted presence, so that it ceased to exist.
Synonyms
- eradicated
- eliminated
- extirpated
- exterminated
- wiped out
- obliterated
- extinguished
- snuffed out
Antonyms
- preserved
- protected
- conserved
- maintained
- sustained
- perpetuated
Related Words
- eradication
- elimination
- extinction
- extermination
- removal
- suppression
- destruction