revoke
To officially cancel or withdraw something
Examples
In a meeting
“The company may revoke access for users who violate the policy.”
Over coffee
“They threatened to revoke his driver's license after the tickets.”
Why this word
cancel
Cancel means call off, while revoke specifically means officially withdraw or invalidate a right, privilege, or agreement
withdraw
Withdraw is general removal, while revoke emphasizes formal cancellation of something previously granted
remove
Remove means take away, while revoke specifically means officially annul or take back formal permission or authorization
Usage tip
Use for formal cancellation of permissions, rights, or official decisions
Etymology
Latin 'revocare' from 're-' (back) + 'vocare' (to call)
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Related words
negate
Cancel out or make ineffective
mandate
An official order or requirement to do something; to officially require.
rescind
To officially cancel or revoke a decision, law, or agreement
invoke
To cite or appeal to something as authority or justification
enforce
To make sure a rule or law is obeyed
empower
To give someone the authority or confidence to do something