What does invalidate mean Meaning and Definition
What does invalidate mean
Pronunciation
/ɪnˈvælɪdeɪt/
Part of Speech
Verb
Definition
To declare or show that something is not valid, effective, or legitimate; to render something null and void.
Examples
- The new evidence invalidates the previous theory.
- The court’s ruling invalidates the contract.
Synonyms
- Annul
- Nullify
Antonyms
- Validate
- Confirm
Additional Information
Invalidate is often used in legal and formal contexts to describe the act of making something null and void. However, it can also be used in more general contexts to describe the act of making something ineffective or useless.
Invalidate can also be used in computer programming to describe the act of making data or code invalid or obsolete.
Etymology
The word “invalidate” comes from the Latin words “in” meaning “not” and “validus” meaning “strong” or “effective”. It has been used in the English language since the 15th century.
Usage Notes
Invalidate is often used in formal and official contexts, such as in law and business. It is also commonly used in technical and academic writing.
Cultural References
The concept of invalidation has been explored in literature and art, particularly in the context of identity and power dynamics.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Invalidate someone’s feelings (to dismiss or disregard their emotions)
Related Words or Phrases
- Invalidation
- Validation
Collocations
- invalidate a contract
- invalidate someone’s opinion
Frequency of Use
Invalidate is a moderately common word in modern language, often used in formal and technical contexts.
Common Misspellings
- Invalidiate
- Invalidite