annul

verb  C2
Plain meaning

to officially cancel a legal agreement, marriage, or decision

Exam-register meaning

In formal or high-level texts, it is used to describe to officially cancel a legal agreement, marriage, or decision, often with a precise or specialised tone.

In context
naturalThe team tried to annul the problem before it became serious.
examThe report argues that institutions should annul ineffective practices through evidence-based reform.
Common collocations
annul a proposalannul the issueannul in practice
Watch out
Do not use “annul” with every object. Check the object that follows it and avoid using it when a simpler verb is more natural.
Word family
annulment (noun)annulled (adjective/verb form)
Quick check — can you use it?

The committee decided to  ______  the problem through a new policy.

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