What does rescind mean?
Rescind is a formal verb meaning to cancel or revoke something officially. It is commonly applied to laws, contracts, orders, licences, permissions, and institutional decisions. The word conveys more than a simple cancellation because it typically implies that a recognized authority is withdrawing an earlier ruling, agreement, or authorization. In legal and governmental contexts, rescinding an action can restore the previous legal position, although the precise consequences depend on the relevant rules. Rescind is especially associated with official or institutional language, but it can be used in any setting where something has been formally approved and must be undone. It should not be confused with resent, which means to feel bitter or indignant. While cancel is more general and everyday, rescind is the more precise choice when describing the formal withdrawal of a legal or official act.
verbTo formally cancel, revoke, or annul something, especially a law, agreement, decision, or official authorization.
- To formally revoke or annul a law, agreement, decision, order, or official permission.
"The committee voted to rescind the decision after new evidence came to light."
"The government announced that it would rescind the regulations introduced earlier in the year."
"Both parties agreed to rescind the contract after the unexpected delay."
Rescind comes from a Latin word built on the image of cutting something apart: to undo an arrangement is, etymologically, to cut it back.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does rescind come from?
Rescind entered English from Latin rescindere, meaning “to annul” or “cancel.” The Latin verb was formed from re-, meaning “back” or “again,” and scindere, meaning “to cut” or “split.” Related words include scission, a cutting or division, and scissors, whose name ultimately comes from the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How rescind is actually used
Rescind is formal and chiefly used in legal, governmental, and institutional contexts. It is stronger and more specific than simply cancel, suggesting the withdrawal of a formal decision or authorization.
Easily confused with rescind
Rescind means to formally cancel or revoke an agreement or decision, whereas resent means to feel bitter or indignant about something.