Abolition
/ˌæb.əˈlɪʃ.ən/noun
The act of formally ending or eliminating a practice, institution, or system.
Did you know?In the nineteenth century, “abolition” became especially associated with the movement to end slavery, transforming a Latin word for destruction or eradication into a language of liberation.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Latin
Latin
abolēre
“To destroy, do away with, or cause to cease”
Late Latin
Latin
abolītiō
“A destroying, abolishing, or causing to disappear”
12th–13th Century
Old French
abolicion
“Abolition or annulment”
14th Century
Middle English
abolicioun
“The act of abolishing or putting an end to something”
16th Century
English
abolition
“Formal repeal, cancellation, or destruction of a practice or institution”
Modern English
English
abolition
“The ending or elimination of a system, practice, or institution”