nullification

UK: /ˌnʌlɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

US: /ˌnʌləfɪˈkeɪʃən/

US: (nul′ə fi kā′shən)

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

nul•li•fi•ca•tion  (nul′ə fi kā′shən), n. 

1. an act or instance of nullifying.
2. the state of being nullified.
3. Government (often cap.) the failure or refusal of a U.S. state to aid in enforcement of federal laws within its limits, esp. on Constitutional grounds.

• Late Latin nūllificātiōn- (stem of nūllificātiō) contempt, equivalent. to nūllificāt(us) (past participle of nūllificāre to despise) + -iōn- -ion. See nullify
• 1620–30

nul′li•fi•ca′tion•ist, nul′li•fi•ca′tor, n. 

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

nul•li•fy /ˈnʌləˌfaɪ/   v. [~ + object] , -fied, -fy•ing. 

1. to make or declare legally no longer binding:
   to nullify a contract.
2. to deprive (something) of value or effectiveness:
   The budget cuts nullified all plans.

nul•li•fi•ca•tion /ˌnʌləfɪˈkeɪʃən/  n. [uncountable] See -null-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

nul•li•fy  (nul′ə fī′), v.t., -fied, -fy•ing. 

1. to render or declare legally void or inoperative:
   to nullify a contract.
2. to deprive (something) of value or effectiveness;
   make futile or of no consequence.

• Late Latin nūllificāre to despise. See nulli-, -fy
• 1585–95

nul′li•fi′er, n. 
Synonyms

• 1, 2. invalidate, annul, void, cancel.