rescind
What does "rescind" mean?
To "rescind" means to officially cancel, revoke, or repeal a law, order, agreement, or promise. Imagine a hand physically pulling back a document or a decree that was previously set in stone; it is the formal act of stripping away legal authority or validity from something that was once active. This word is almost exclusively used in formal, legal, or administrative contexts. You would rarely use it in casual conversation; instead, you would likely say "cancel" or "take back." It is frequently collocated with terms like "contract," "policy," "offer," or "legislation."
"rescind" in conversation
Workplace dispute
We have decided to rescind the job offer due to the background check results.
We have decided to rescind the job offer due to the background check results.
Is there any possibility of reconsidering that decision?
Is there any possibility of reconsidering that decision?
Used here to emphasize the official nature of revoking an employment contract.
Legal meeting
The court has the power to rescind the contract if fraud is proven.
The court has the power to rescind the contract if fraud is proven.
So the entire agreement becomes void?
So the entire agreement becomes void?
Rescind is the precise legal term for rendering a contract void.
"rescind" in a sentence
The company decided to rescind the policy after many complaints.
The company decided to rescind the policy after many complaints.
The government was forced to rescind the unpopular tax law.
The government was forced to rescind the unpopular tax law.
Unless both parties agree to rescind the contract, the original terms remain binding.
Unless both parties agree to rescind the contract, the original terms remain binding.
