The difference between Abolish and Repeal

When used as verbs, abolish means to end a law, system, institution, custom or practice, whereas repeal means to cancel, invalidate, annul.


Repeal is also noun with the meaning: an act or instance of repealing.

check bellow for the other definitions of Abolish and Repeal

  1. Abolish as a verb:

    To end a law, system, institution, custom or practice.

    Examples:

    "Slavery was abolished in the nineteenth century."

  2. Abolish as a verb (archaic):

    To put an end to or destroy, as a physical object; to wipe out.

  1. Repeal as a verb (transitive):

    To cancel, invalidate, annul.

    Examples:

    "to repeal a law"

  2. Repeal as a verb:

    To recall; to summon (a person) again; to bring (a person) back from exile or banishment.

  3. Repeal as a verb:

    To suppress; to repel.

  1. Repeal as a noun:

    An act or instance of repealing.