abrogate
UK[ˈæbrəɡeɪt]US[ˈæbrəɡeɪt]
v
To officially end a law, agreement, or custom.
v
To treat something as if it no longer exists or has authority.
Morpheme Breakdown
ab
rog
ate
ab
away
rog
ask, propose
ate
verb suffix
Etymology
The word 'abrogate' originates from the Latin verb abrogare, which was a formal legal term meaning "to repeal a law." This Latin term is a compound of the prefix ab- ("away from") and the verb rogare ("to ask, to propose a law"). In ancient Rome, laws were proposed to the people for approval; thus, abrogare literally meant "to ask away" or "to propose the removal" of an existing statute. Over time, this specific legal sense broadened in English to encompass the authoritative annulment of any formal agreement, treaty, or established practice, carrying the core idea of dismissing something by formal action.
Analysis
Structure: ab (away) + rog (ask, propose) + ate (verb suffix)
- ab: Latin origin. A prefix meaning "away, from, off." It indicates separation or removal.
- rog: Latin origin. From the root of rogare, meaning "to ask, to propose a law."
- ate: Latin origin via French. A verb-forming suffix meaning "to make, to act upon."
Examples
The government moved to abrogate the outdated treaty.
A later contract may abrogate the terms of an earlier agreement.
The new policy effectively abrogated the rights of the tenants.