abolish
C1Formal
Definition
Meaning
To formally and officially put an end to a system, law, practice, or institution.
To completely do away with something, causing it to cease to exist; often implies a formal or legislative act of termination.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often used for systems, laws, or customs that are considered outdated, unjust, or undesirable. Suggests a deliberate and complete eradication, not a temporary suspension.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in meaning and register. The word itself has no spelling variation.
Connotations
Typically carries a neutral-to-positive connotation when associated with removing unjust systems (e.g., slavery, unfair taxes). Can carry a negative connotation for those who favoured the abolished system.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English in historical/political contexts (e.g., 'abolish slavery'), but the difference is minimal.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
NP __ NP (e.g., The government abolished the tax.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Abolish at a stroke”
- “Abolish root and branch”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The board voted to abolish the outdated bonus structure.
Academic
Several scholars argue that we should abolish the traditional grading system.
Everyday
They abolished the dress code, so now we can wear jeans.
Technical
The new treaty seeks to abolish tariffs on digital goods.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The government plans to abolish university tuition fees next year.
- The law was abolished by an Act of Parliament.
American English
- The state voted to abolish the sales tax on groceries.
- Many activists want to abolish the electoral college.
adverb
British English
- The policy was abolitionally justified on moral grounds.
American English
- The group argues abolitionally for the end of all fossil fuel subsidies.
adjective
British English
- The abolitionist movement gained momentum in the 19th century.
- This is an abolition bill, not a reform bill.
American English
- She holds strong abolitionist views on private prisons.
- The abolition amendment passed by a narrow margin.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The school abolished the rule about hats.
- They abolished the old law.
- Many countries have abolished the death penalty.
- The company abolished the dress code to create a more relaxed atmosphere.
- The new administration promised to abolish the controversial surveillance programme.
- Critics argue that simply reforming the system is insufficient; it must be abolished entirely.
- The treaty sought to abolish barriers to free trade across the continent.
- Historically, the movement to abolish indentured servitude faced formidable political opposition.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A BOLISH' sounds like 'a polish' – imagine using a strong polish to completely wipe out a stain, just as you abolish something completely.
Conceptual Metaphor
ERASURE / REMOVAL (Abolishing is scrubbing clean a societal slate.)
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'уничтожить' (destroy physically). 'Abolish' is for systems, not objects. The closer conceptual match is 'отменить' (cancel, annul) or 'ликвидировать' (liquidate, in an institutional sense).
Common Mistakes
- Using it for temporary actions: *'The meeting was abolished.' (Use 'cancelled').
- Using it for physical objects: *'They abolished the old building.' (Use 'demolished' or 'destroyed').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST appropriate context for the word 'abolish'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The noun is 'abolition' (e.g., the abolition of slavery). The person who advocates for abolition is an 'abolitionist'.
No. 'Abolish' is permanent and formal, used for systems or laws. 'Cancel' is often temporary or for single events (cancel a meeting, cancel a subscription).
Yes, but it's less common as it focuses on the ongoing process rather than the final act. It's used when the abolition is being implemented in stages (e.g., 'The government is gradually abolishing these regulations').
The most famous collocation is 'abolish slavery'. Others include 'abolish the monarchy' or 'abolish apartheid'.