nullify
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to render or declare legally void or inoperative.
to nullify a contract.
- Synonyms:
- cancel, void, annul, invalidate
-
to deprive (something) of value or effectiveness; make futile or of no consequence.
- Synonyms:
- cancel, void, annul, invalidate
verb
-
to render legally void or of no effect
-
to render ineffective or useless; cancel out
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
have nullifiedperfect
-
has nullifiedperfect 3rd person singular
-
am nullifyingprogressive 1st person singular
-
has been nullifyingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
-
is nullifyingprogressive 3rd person singular
-
are nullifyingprogressive
-
have been nullifyingperfect progressive
-
nullifyingparticiple
-
nullifiessingular 3rd person
Past
-
had nullifiedperfect
-
were nullifyingprogressive plural
-
was nullifyingprogressive singular
-
had been nullifyingperfect progressive
-
nullifiedsimple
-
nullifiedparticiple
Future
Etymology
Origin of nullify
First recorded in 1585–95, nullify is from the Late Latin word nūllificāre to despise. See nulli-, -fy
Explanation
To nullify something means to make it invalid or ineffective. A peace treaty is an attempt to nullify aggression and division within a region. If you take a null, or a zero, and make it into an action you can take, and you’ve got nullify — the act of making something void or zero-like. If you have an argument with your friend, it might nullify the fun you had together that day. This word is particularly used in legal language — a divorce nullifies a marriage — or in business disputes where you are trying to nullify someone else’s actions or plans.
Vocabulary lists containing nullify
Tangerine
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100 SAT Words Beginning with "N"
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Dear Martin
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Trump could veto the measure, which would require a two-thirds majority in both chambers to nullify.
From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026
Anything less would deprive them of due process and nullify the Convention Against Torture.
From Slate • Feb. 28, 2026
In response the legislature voted to eliminate some of the state’s most controversial fees and effectively nullify others.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 29, 2025
It was a tactical lesson from Robinson who masterminded the perfect game plan to nullify his old club.
From BBC • Dec. 14, 2025
The “M & M” in “M & M Enterprises” stood for Milo & Minderbinder, and the & was inserted, Milo revealed candidly, to nullify any impression that the syndicate was a one-man operation.
From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
