abrogation
UK[ˌabrəˈɡeɪʃn]US[ˌæbrəˈɡeɪʃn]
n
the official or formal ending of a law, agreement, or custom
Morpheme Breakdown
ab
rog
ation
ab
away, from
rog
to ask, to propose a law
ation
Etymology
The word 'abrogation' has a precise legal lineage from Latin. It is built on the verb 'abrogare', which combined 'ab-' (away) and 'rogare' (to ask, specifically to propose a law before the people). In ancient Rome, to 'ask away' a law was to repeal it through a formal public procedure. The suffix '-ation' was later added to form the noun describing the act or result. Thus, the literal sense of "asking a law away" evolved into the modern abstract meaning of the formal annulment or abolition of any authoritative rule or agreement.
Analysis
Structure: ab + rog + ation
- ab (Latin origin, prefix meaning "away, from")
- rog (Latin origin, root from 'rogare' meaning "to ask, to propose a law")
- ation (Latin origin, suffix forming nouns of action or state)
Examples
The abrogation of the treaty led to increased tensions between the two nations.
Many celebrated the abrogation of the outdated and restrictive statute.
Constitutional amendments require a complex process and cannot be achieved by simple abrogation.