Abolish
The council does not lower the old fee or postpone collecting it. It votes to end the fee altogether, the sort of formal change this verb describes.
Learn This WordMeaning
To formally put an end to a law, institution, system, or established practice.
Memory trick
Connect abolish with abolition: the abolition of a rule means the rule is officially ended. Think of crossing the whole rule out, not merely changing a word.
Examples
They abolished the law.
The council voted to abolish the outdated licensing system.
The reform abolished a practice that had excluded many applicants.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology
From Old French abolir, from Latin abolere "to destroy, put an end to."
Usage Notes
A formal verb used with laws, institutions, taxes, and established customs. In SSC policy passages and synonym questions, abolish means to end something officially; repeal is especially suitable for laws, while do away with is less formal.
Real-life contexts
Discuss policy: "The proposal would abolish the annual fee."
Describe reform: "They want to abolish the old selection process."
Ask about consequences: "What would replace the system if it were abolished?"
Common Mistakes
Abolish is not the usual verb for cancelling one meeting or destroying a physical building. Abolish a system, cancel an appointment, and demolish a building. Abolition is the noun.
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Start LearningQuick Facts
Part of Speech
verb
Difficulty
intermediate