Meaning & use
abolition
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Meanings
noununcountable
The official ending of a law, system, or practice, usually by a government or other authority.
Grammar: No plural; almost always followed by of: the abolition of the death penalty.
Patterns
- the abolition of something
- call for the abolition of something
- campaign for abolition
The abolition of the unpopular tax was announced in the budget.
Several human rights groups are calling for the abolition of the death penalty.
nounusually singular
The historical movement and process of ending slavery, especially in the nineteenth century.
Grammar: Used with the; often modified by words like complete or eventual, unlike the general uncountable use.
Patterns
- the abolition of slavery
- the abolition movement
- fight for abolition
The abolition of slavery in Britain was completed in 1838.
Her book examines the role of women in the abolition movement.
Common combinations
- the abolition of slavery
- Museums across the city marked the anniversary of the abolition of slavery.
- call for abolition
- Doctors called for abolition of the fees for emergency care.
- the abolition movement
- He gave lectures on the history of the abolition movement in New England.
- campaign for the abolition of something
- The group campaigns for the abolition of nuclear weapons.
Synonyms and how they differ
- repeal
- Repeal applies only to laws being officially cancelled; abolition can end any system or practice, not just laws.
- elimination
- Elimination means removing something completely, by any means; abolition emphasizes a formal, official ending.
- eradication
- Eradication suggests destroying something harmful root and branch; abolition ends its legal or official existence.
Opposites
Word family
- abolish verb
- To officially end a law, system, or practice: Parliament voted to abolish the tax.
- abolitionism noun
- The political movement or belief in ending a practice such as slavery or the death penalty.
- abolitionist noun
- A person who campaigns for the abolition of something, especially slavery.
Commonly confused: abolition or absolution?
abolition vs absolution
Absolution is the formal forgiveness of sins, often in a religious context; abolition is the ending of a law or system.
Practice
The government announced the ______ of the unpopular tax.
Choose one answer.
Abolition means the official ending of a law or system, which fits ending a tax. Establishment is the opposite idea, and absolution means forgiveness of sins, not the ending of a law.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “abolition”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.