nullify vs invalidate

Both 'nullify' and 'invalidate' are correct terms, but they are used in different contexts. 'Nullify' is commonly used to mean to make something legally void or ineffective, while 'invalidate' is used more broadly to mean to make something invalid or null and void.

Last updated: March 26, 2024 • 1010 views

nullify

The term 'nullify' is correct and commonly used in English, especially in legal contexts.

The term 'nullify' is used to mean to make something legally void or ineffective. It is often used in legal documents, contracts, or discussions about laws and regulations.

Examples:

The court decided to nullify the contract due to a breach of terms.
The new evidence could nullify the previous ruling.

Show examples from the web [+]

We're even putting him in rehab to help nullify his contract.
Check the harmonic frecuncias to nullify the resonance.
If this paradoxical situation continues it is liable, on the one hand, to nullify European fishermen's respect for the rules and, on the other hand, to jeopardise the conservation of fish stocks.
L. whereas the WTO rules currently in force (for example, the Codex alimentarius) may well totally nullify the efforts being made under European legislation with a view to securing a high level of protection of human health and of the environment,
I'm asking you, please, to nullify this contract.
You change the dynamic and it could nullify everything, even life.
To nullify the threat against the Emperor.
But if you were to be incapacitated for some reason, they might use it as a pretext to nullify the deal.
We can't touch her unless the information she's provided turns out to be false; then we can nullify the agreement.
If no way can be found to nullify the king's marriage...
She insisted on being called Mrs. Kalmus and spent 35 years taking the doctor to court in an attempt to nullify the divorce.
The political will, as great as that may be, will not nullify any physical laws.
It is a pity that the rapporteur intends to nullify the opportunity that the Commission's proposal is presenting.
When he died last year, his sister, Mrs. Manubens, told Dionis to steal her brother's marriage certificate to nullify the marriage and keep the entire fortune.
In order to nullify this inadequate exemption rule, the Commission drafted a White Paper in 1997 and made an announcement in 1998 which included a draft directive reviewing the working time directive.
If I can nullify the time dilation field at that spot - it would burst this bubble and return Carentan to normal time?
Any unexcused absences, any other disciplinary issues at school, you can nullify this agreement and send me to any school you want.
It asks this: "If no way can be found to nullify the king's marriage..." then the pope should simply allow him to take a second wife.
Clearly we can still search for compromise, because throughout our lives we have always sought compromise, but we cannot allow compromise to frustrate and nullify the European project.
Member States are required to nullify the unlawful consequences of a breach of EC law under the principle of cooperation in good faith laid down in Article 4(3) TEU.

Alternatives:

void
annul
cancel
invalidate
negate

invalidate

The term 'invalidate' is correct and commonly used in English, especially in a broader sense to mean to make something invalid or null and void.

The term 'invalidate' is used to mean to make something invalid or null and void. It can be used in various contexts, not just legal ones.