Meaning
To formally put an end to a system, practice, or institution, especially through legislative or authoritative means; often entails a significant and intentional effort to eradicate established norms or policies that are deemed unjust or outdated.
💡 While "abolish" is often used in legal and political contexts, it may be misapplied in casual discussions where "discontinue" or "end" would be more appropriate; "abolish" implies a more permanent and authoritative cessation.
Example Sentences
Word in Context
When
Hannah
became
head
librarian
she
noticed
that
a
decades
-
old
borrowing
limit
discouraged
regular
visitors
,
especially
families
with
young
children
.
After
careful
observation
and
informal
conversations
she
proposed
a
practical
plan
to
abolish
the
limit
and
replace
it
with
a
more
flexible
system
.
Her
colleagues
were
initially
cautious
,
but
they
agreed
to
collect
usage
statistics
and
consult
local
parents
before
making
a
final
decision
.
The
data
showed
that
visits
increased
when
restrictions
eased
,
and
parents
reported
that
flexible
rules
made
it
easier
to
engage
their
children
in
reading
.
Following
several
meetings
,
the
small
board
unanimously
accepted
the
proposal
and
set
a
date
to
implement
the
change
.
Staff
rearranged
shelves
and
introduced
clear
signage
to
explain
the
new
lending
procedures
,
ensuring
the
transition
would
be
smooth
.
Within
weeks
attendance
rose
and
the
atmosphere
felt
more
welcoming
,
confirming
that
the
decision
had
been
both
considerate
and
effective
.
Hannah
continued
to
monitor
outcomes
and
welcomed
feedback
,
confident
that
abolishing
the
limit
had
helped
the
library
better
serve
its
community
.
Common Phrases
abolish a law
abolish slavery
abolish a practice
Antonyms
Related Words
Never forget "abolish"
Set a daily goal, reinforce with word cards and games, and track your progress in the Vocab5000 app — learn every C1 level word permanently with our science-based repetition system.