Abolition

Pronunciation

• US IPA: /ˌæb.əˈlɪʃ.nÌ©/

Origin

First attested in 1529. Either from Middle French abolition, or directly from Latin abolitiō, from aboleō ("destroy").

CDOE|page=3-4

Compare French abolition. See abolish.

Full definition of abolition

Noun

1. The act of abolishing, or the state of being abolished; an annulling; abrogation; utter destruction; as, the abolition of slavery or the slave trade; the abolition of laws, decrees, ordinances, customs, taxes, debts, etc. First attested around the early 16^th century.

1. (historical, often capitalised, UK, US) The ending of the slave trade or of slavery. First attested around the early 18^th century.
2. (historical, often capitalised, Australia) The ending of convict transportation. First attested around the late 18^th century.
3. (obsolete) An amnesty; a putting out of memory. Attested from the early 17^th century to the early 19^th century.

Usage notes

The application of this word to persons is now unusual or obsolete.