abolition

noun

ab·​o·​li·​tion ˌa-bə-ˈli-shᵊn How to pronounce abolition (audio)
1
: the act of officially ending or stopping something : the act of abolishing something
abolition of the death penalty
2
: the act of officially ending slavery
a proponent of abolition
abolitionary adjective

Examples of abolition in a Sentence

the abolition of a law calls for the abolition of the death penalty
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Neptune was last in Aries from 1862-1875 which helped fuel radical reinvention through war, liberation, and spiritual awakening, seen in the U.S. Civil War, abolition, industrial expansion, and the rise of mystical movements. Colin Bedell, Them, 20 Mar. 2025 As the leader of the Parliamentary faction during the English Civil Wars, Oliver was instrumental in the abolition of the English monarchy and the execution of Charles I in 1649. Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Mar. 2025 That sentiment runs throughout the book, underscoring the role these spaces have played in every major Black liberation movement — from abolition to Black Power to today’s Movement for Black Lives. Jameelah Nasheed, Essence, 4 Mar. 2025 And some scenes, like Lincoln asking white soldiers’ feelings about abolition and arguing with stubborn Union officials, repeat themselves. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for abolition

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French abolition, borrowed from Latin abolitiōn-, abolitiō, from aboli-, variant stem of abolēre "to abolish" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns

First Known Use

1529, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of abolition was in 1529

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Abolition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abolition. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

abolition

noun
ab·​o·​li·​tion ˌab-ə-ˈlish-ən How to pronounce abolition (audio)
1
: the act of officially ending or stopping something : the act of abolishing
2
: the abolishing of slavery
abolitionary adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on abolition

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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