abolish

Word Origin & History

mid-15c., from Middle French aboliss-, present participle stem of abolir "to abolish" (15c.), from Latin abolere "destroy, cause to die out, retard the growth of," perhaps from ab- "from" (see ab-) + adolere "to grow," from PIE *ol-eye-, causative of root *al- "to grow, nourish" (see old), and perhaps formed as an antonym to adolere. But the Latin word rather could be from a root in common with Greek ollymi, apollymi "destroy." Tucker writes that there has been a confusion of forms in Latin, based on similar roots, one meaning "to grow," the other "to destroy." Application to persons and concrete objects has long been obsolete. Related: Abolished; abolishing.

Example Sentences forabolish

Then there was a debate upon the proposition to abolish the mission to Rome.

It is the highest power of divine moments that they abolish our contritions also.

If that which is should therefore remain, why abolish the slavery of men?

No proposition to abolish it ever was made in the Legislature thereafter.

His manner always was, as recorded, with the exception of one night, to preach on the very day that he was laboring to abolish.

It was far from the object of those who seized on the power of the Cæsars to abolish that power.

He was firm to the end in his effort to abolish the slave trade.

It did not abolish slavery, but simply repealed the previous act.

Abolish the system, and the sucklings will die of starvation.

They will abolish themselves when their work is done, but not before.

abolish

cancel

cancelled

cancelling

did away with

dismiss

dismisses

dismissing

dispense with

abolish

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