repeal

verb

re·​peal ri-ˈpēl How to pronounce repeal (audio)
repealed; repealing; repeals

transitive verb

1
: to rescind or annul by authoritative act
especially : to revoke or abrogate by legislative enactment
2
3
obsolete : to summon to return : recall
repeal noun
repealable adjective

Examples of repeal in a Sentence

the company called the furniture store to repeal the order for six new desks in 1933, Congress passed the 21st Amendment which repealed the Prohibition Amendment of 1919, thus making the sale, distribution, and use of alcohol legal once again
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.
Alaska repealed its ranked choice voting law and replaced the candidate who won under the scheme two years ago. Krista Kafer, The Denver Post, 11 Nov. 2024 The Panic of 1893 and President Grover Cleveland’s initiative to repeal the Sherman Silver Purchase Act, however, jointly tanked Leadville’s fortunes. James Dziezynski, Outside Online, 10 Nov. 2024 South Carolina repealed its ban on liquor sales on Election Day in 2014, with the state joining the rest of the nation in permitting spirits and other drinks to be sold on voting day. Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2024 That came to an end in 2014, however, when South Carolina repealed the provision, becoming the last state to do so. Chris Morris, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for repeal 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English repelen, borrowed from Anglo-French repeler, rapeler, reapeler "to call back, bring back, recover, rescind, deter," from re- re- + apeler, appeler to call, summon, call before a court" — more at appeal entry 2

Note: Both the form and meaning of the Anglo-French verb have been influenced to some degree by Latin repellere "to push away, fend off" (see repel).

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of repeal was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near repeal

Cite this Entry

“Repeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repeal. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

repeal

verb
re·​peal ri-ˈpē(ə)l How to pronounce repeal (audio)
: to do away with especially by legislative action
repeal a law
repeal noun
repealable adjective

Legal Definition

repeal

transitive verb
re·​peal ri-ˈpēl How to pronounce repeal (audio)
: to rescind or annul by authoritative act
especially : to revoke or abrogate by legislative enactment
legislatures repealing statutes in light of a recent Supreme Court decision
repeal noun
Etymology

Anglo-French repeler, from Old French, from re- back + apeler to appeal, call, from Latin appellare to address, entreat, call by name

More from Merriam-Webster on repeal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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