abolition
/əˈbɒl.ɪ.ʃən/
NOUN
1. The act of formally ending or abolishing something
The act or process of officially putting an end to a law, rule, system, institution, custom, or established practice so that it no longer exists or operates.
1.1. Repealing laws and legal provisions
The formal termination or removal of a law, statute, regulation, or legal provision so that it is no longer legally effective.
Synonyms
- abrogation
- annulment
- repeal
- rescission
- revocation
- nullification
- invalidation
- voiding
Antonyms
Examples
- The abolition of outdated laws is necessary for progress in society.
- The parliament debated the abolition of certain taxes to stimulate economic growth.
Related Words
- law
- statute
- regulation
- legislation
- legal provision
- repeal
- amendment
1.2. Ending slavery and forced labor
The movement or formal action of ending slavery, the slave trade, or other systems that force people to work or live in bondage.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- enslavement
- subjugation
- bondage
- reenslavement
Examples
- Abolition of slavery was a pivotal moment in American history.
- She dedicated her life to the abolition of child labor around the world.
Related Words
- slavery
- slave trade
- emancipation
- freedom
- human rights
- forced labor
- liberation
1.3. Ending capital punishment
The formal ending of the death penalty as a legal punishment, preventing the state from executing people convicted of crimes.
Synonyms
- abolishment
- elimination
- eradication
- repeal
- termination
- ending
Antonyms
- reinstatement
- restoration
- reintroduction
- retention
Examples
- The activists fought tirelessly for the abolition of capital punishment.
Related Words
- capital punishment
- death penalty
- execution
- criminal justice
- sentencing
- human rights
- penal system
1.4. Dissolving institutions and established systems
The formal discontinuation or dismantling of an organization, institution, governing structure, or established system.
Synonyms
- dissolution
- disbandment
- discontinuation
- termination
- elimination
- dismantling
Antonyms
- establishment
- founding
- formation
- creation
- institution
Related Words
- institution
- organization
- administration
- governance
- organizational structure
- disbandment
- dissolution
1.5. Cancelling or withdrawing official decisions
The act of officially cancelling, reversing, or withdrawing an order, decision, restriction, or requirement so that it is no longer in effect.
Synonyms
- cancellation
- cancelation
- countermand
- withdrawal
- reversal
- rescission
- revocation
- recall
Antonyms
- approval
- authorization
- endorsement
- confirmation
- ratification
- sanction
Related Words
- decision
- order
- directive
- restriction
- requirement
- withdrawal
- reversal