Annulment – Definition & Meaning

Annulment is a legal process that declares a marriage to be null and void. It is different from divorce, which is the legal dissolution of a marriage. Annulment is a way of ending a marriage that is considered to be invalid from the beginning. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, and meaning of annulment.

Definitions

Annulment is defined as the legal process of declaring a marriage to be null and void. It is a way of ending a marriage that is considered to be invalid from the beginning. Annulment can be granted on various grounds, such as fraud, duress, or incapacity.

Origin

The word “annulment” comes from the Latin word “annullare,” which means to nullify or cancel. The concept of annulment has been a part of legal systems for centuries. In ancient Rome, marriages could be annulled if they were entered into under duress or if one of the parties was not of legal age.

Meaning in different dictionaries

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, annulment is “the act of annulling: the state of being annulled.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines annulment as “the act of annulling or setting aside; the state of being annulled or set aside.”

Associations

Annulment is often associated with religious institutions, as some religions do not recognize divorce and instead allow for annulment under certain circumstances. It is also associated with legal proceedings and can be a complex and lengthy process.

Synonyms

Synonyms of annulment include cancellation, invalidation, revocation, and repeal.

Antonyms

Antonyms of annulment include confirmation, validation, and affirmation.

The same root words

The root word of annulment is “annul,” which means to nullify or cancel. Other words that share this root include annihilation, annular, and annulet.

Example Sentences

1. The couple sought an annulment of their marriage due to fraud.
2. The court granted an annulment of the contract on the grounds of duress.
3. The church granted an annulment of the marriage due to the groom’s undisclosed impotence.
4. The company announced the annulment of the merger agreement.
5. The judge ordered the annulment of the verdict due to jury misconduct.