nullify
UK: ˈnʌl.ɪ.faɪ | US: ˈnʌl.ə.faɪ
vt. to make legally null or invalid
vt. to cancel out the effect of something
vt. to reduce to nothing; annihilate
nullify = null<zero, invalid> + ify<to make>
- null (from Latin nullus "none, not any") → retains the meaning of "void" or "invalid."
- ify (verb-forming suffix from Latin -ificare "to make") → indicates causation or transformation.
Etymology Origin:
The word nullify emerged in the 16th century, combining null (rooted in Latin nullus) with the suffix -ify. The Latin nullus itself derives from ne- (not) + ullus (any), reinforcing the idea of absolute negation. The suffix -ify systematically turns nouns/adjectives into verbs (e.g., simplify, purify). Thus, nullify literally means "to make invalid," reflecting its legal and general usage.
The court voted to nullify the controversial law.
A single error could nullify the entire experiment.
The treaty was nullified after both parties failed to comply.
Her apology did little to nullify the damage done.
Antioxidants help nullify the effects of free radicals.