rescind
C1/C2formal, legal, administrative, academic
Definition
Meaning
to officially cancel, revoke, or annul (a law, contract, agreement, or decision)
to formally withdraw or repeal something that was previously established, authorized, or agreed upon; to invalidate or make void
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word implies an official, authoritative action, often by the same body that originally enacted the measure. It suggests a complete reversal, not merely a temporary suspension. Commonly used in contexts of law, policy, contracts, and regulations.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally formal in both dialects.
Connotations
Carries a strong sense of formal authority and legal finality in both dialects.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to its prevalence in legal and corporate contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to rescind somethingto have the power/authority/right to rescind somethingto vote to rescind somethingsomething is rescindedVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The board voted to rescind the controversial policy with immediate effect.”
- “Once the offer was rescinded, the deal was dead in the water.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The board decided to rescind the merger agreement after due diligence revealed significant liabilities.
Academic
The university senate voted to rescind the outdated regulation governing postgraduate research.
Everyday
The council has rescinded the parking restrictions on my street.
Technical
The court ordered the agency to rescind the environmental permit due to procedural irregularities.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The committee moved to rescind the previous motion.
- The local authority has no power to rescind a bylaw passed by Parliament.
American English
- The company reserved the right to rescind the offer at any time.
- The governor signed an executive order to rescind the mandate.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The new manager decided to rescind the old rule.
- They had to rescind the invitation because of the mistake.
- The council voted unanimously to rescind the controversial parking fines.
- Under the contract, either party may rescind the agreement with 30 days' written notice.
- The appellate court has the authority to rescind the lower court's ruling if it finds procedural errors.
- Following the scandal, the university was forced to rescind the honorary degree it had conferred.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of RE-SCIND as cutting (from Latin 'scindere' = to cut) something back or away. You are cutting off the legal force of a previous decision.
Conceptual Metaphor
LAW/AGREEMENTS AS BINDING OBJECTS (to rescind is to cut/unbind that object); AUTHORITY AS A WRITTEN DOCUMENT (to rescind is to erase or tear up that document).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not synonymous with 'отменить' in all contexts. 'Отменить' is broader (can mean cancel a meeting). 'Rescind' is specifically for formal, official acts like laws, contracts. Closer to 'аннулировать' or 'отозвать'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it for informal cancellations (e.g., 'I rescinded my dinner plans' – incorrect).
- Confusing with 'recede' (to move back) or 'rescission' (the noun).
- Using the wrong preposition (rescind something, not rescind from something).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'rescind' MOST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while it is most common in legal, governmental, and corporate settings, it can be used in any formal context where an official decision, rule, or agreement is being cancelled (e.g., university regulations, club bylaws).
'Cancel' is general and informal ('cancel a subscription', 'cancel a meeting'). 'Rescind' is formal and implies an official, authoritative reversal of something that had legal or binding force ('rescind a law', 'rescind a contract').
The noun is 'rescission' (/rɪˈsɪʒ.ən/). Example: 'The rescission of the treaty led to renewed tensions.'
It would be unusual and stylistically heavy. 'Rescind' typically applies to written, formal, or officially recorded agreements. For a verbal promise, 'retract', 'withdraw', or 'go back on' would be more natural.