abolish

Everyday

1. To officially end a law, rule, system or custom so that it no longer exists. tree →
2. To get rid of something completely. tree →

In the lessons

Common in history lessons: countries abolished slavery, some abolished the death penalty, schools abolish old rules. It tells the reader that something was ended by a decision of people in power, not just forgotten. Phrases: abolish a law, abolish a tax, abolish slavery, call to abolish.

Examples

• Many countries fought to abolish slavery. tree →
• The school abolished the rule about wearing hats. tree →
• Some people want to abolish homework for young children. tree →
• The new government promised to abolish the tax. tree →
• Britain abolished the slave trade after a long campaign. tree →
• Our club abolished the joining fee, so now it is free. tree →
• That rite was abolished by 4 Geo. iv. c. 52. tree →

Note

Used for laws, systems and customs, not for objects: you abolish a rule but you throw away rubbish. The noun is abolition; a person who wanted to abolish slavery was an abolitionist. Formal word; in everyday talk people say "get rid of" or "scrap".

In Jewish tradition

Common in history lessons: countries abolished slavery, some abolished the death penalty, schools abolish old rules. It tells the reader that something was ended by a decision of people in power, not just forgotten. Phrases: abolish a law, abolish a tax, abolish slavery, call to abolish.

Note

Used for laws, systems and customs, not for objects: you abolish a rule but you throw away rubbish. The noun is abolition; a person who wanted to abolish slavery was an abolitionist. Formal word; in everyday talk people say "get rid of" or "scrap".