abolish
To completely eliminate or put an end to a rule, practice, or system
Examples
In a meeting
“We should abolish the outdated approval process that slows everything down.”
Over coffee
“Our family decided to abolish the no-phones-at-dinner rule on birthdays.”
Why this word
eliminate
abolish is the formal term for officially ending a law or system, while eliminate is general removal
end
abolish specifically means formally discontinuing an institution or practice, while end is vague cessation
cancel
abolish implies permanent, official termination of established systems, while cancel is temporary or informal
Usage tip
Use for formal elimination of policies, practices, or systems. Stronger than 'eliminate' or 'remove' because it implies permanent discontinuation of something established.
Etymology
Latin 'abolere' meaning 'destroy, cause to die out' — from 'ab-' (away) + '-olere' (to grow)
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Related words
evaluate
To assess or judge the value, quality, or significance of something.
discern
To perceive or recognize a subtle difference or hidden truth.
revamp
To give new and improved form, structure, or appearance to something.
defer
To postpone something to a later time, or to yield to someone else's judgment.
deteriorate
To become progressively worse over time.
authorize
To give official permission or approval for something