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Annulment

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. The legal declaration that something, such as a marriage or contract, is invalid or void, as if it never occurred.
2. The process of officially cancelling or declaring the nullity of an agreement or decision.
3. A formal act of declaring something legally or officially invalid, especially in reference to legal obligations or marriages.

History and Origin

The word “annulment” comes from the Latin annullare, meaning “to make void” or “to cancel.” It was first used in the 16th century in legal contexts, particularly in reference to dissolving marriages or contracts. Historically, annulments were more common in religious or ecclesiastical courts before becoming part of secular law in various legal systems.

Detailed Explanation

An annulment is a legal procedure that declares a marriage, contract, or other legal agreement void and invalid. This differs from a divorce, where the marriage is dissolved but not considered to have been invalid from the start.

In the case of marriage annulment, it is typically granted when the marriage is found to have been legally flawed from the outset. Reasons for annulment may include fraud, coercion, bigamy, incapacity, or if one party was not legally able to consent to the marriage. Unlike divorce, which recognizes the marriage but ends it, an annulment treats the marriage as though it never existed.

Annulments can also apply to contracts, agreements, or decisions that are considered legally invalid for reasons like fraud, misrepresentation, or failure to meet legal requirements.

Example Sentences

1. After discovering his partner had hidden important information, they sought an annulment of their marriage.
2. The couple petitioned for an annulment because the marriage was based on deceit.
3. The annulment of the contract was granted after both parties agreed it was invalid.
4. The court ruled that the marriage was never valid and granted an annulment.
5. She filed for an annulment, claiming that her spouse had been married to someone else.
6. Annulments are often granted when there is a significant legal or procedural error.
7. The annulment of the business agreement was necessary due to a breach of contract.
8. His request for an annulment was rejected because the marriage was legally binding.
9. They were able to get an annulment because they were married under duress.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Cancellation – The act of officially terminating or invalidating something, often used in the context of agreements.
2. Revocation – The official withdrawal or invalidation of something, such as a decision or agreement.
3. Invalidation – The act of declaring something legally void or without effect.
4. Dissolution – The termination or ending of a legal agreement, often used in reference to contracts or marriages.
5. Rescission – The cancellation of a contract or agreement, especially in cases of breach or misrepresentation.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Divorce – The legal dissolution of a marriage, but unlike annulment, it acknowledges the marriage existed.
2. Fraud – Deceptive actions that can lead to the annulment of a contract or marriage.
3. Bigamy – The act of marrying someone while already married, a ground for annulment.
4. Coercion – Forcing someone into a decision, such as marriage, which may be grounds for annulment.
5. Consent – The voluntary agreement to enter into a contract or marriage, which is crucial for avoiding annulment.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Nullification – The act of rendering something legally void or ineffective.
2. Void – The status of being legally invalid, similar to what an annulment declares.
3. Reversal – The act of changing or reversing a decision, which may involve annulment in legal contexts.
4. Exemption – A release from an obligation, sometimes granted in place of annulment for certain legal matters.
5. Resignation – The formal act of relinquishing a position or agreement, which can be similar to annulment when it invalidates prior commitments.

Antonyms

1. Ratification
2. Confirmation
3. Validation
4. Authorization
5. Approval