revoke

1 of 2

verb

re·​voke ri-ˈvōk How to pronounce revoke (audio)
revoked; revoking

transitive verb

1
: to annul by recalling or taking back : rescind
revoke a will
2
: to bring or call back

intransitive verb

: to fail to follow suit when able in a card game in violation of the rules
revoker noun

revoke

2 of 2

noun

: an act or instance of revoking in a card game

Did you know?

Since vocare means "to call" in Latin, to revoke is to "call back". Your driver's license could be revoked after about three convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol; some people's licenses are even revoked for life. You could get your passport revoked if a judge thought you had violated the terms of your bail and suspected you might skip the country. And if you're out of prison on probation and violate the terms of probation, it will probably be revoked and you'll end up back in the slammer.

Examples of revoke in a Sentence

Verb The judge revoked her driver's license. Their work permits were revoked. Their privileges were revoked after they misbehaved.
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Additionally, his license will be revoked for a year, and he is required to attend a community restorative justice program on the misdemeanor charge, per the Associated Press. Charna Flam, Peoplemag, 9 Mar. 2024 The two sides, however, came to an agreement that the prosecutor explained like this: Crumbley's communications privileges will be revoked, but not his ability to talk to his lawyer or research information to help his defense. Gina Kaufman, Detroit Free Press, 7 Mar. 2024 As a result of the complaint, the director was kept under preventative house arrest from June 19 to July 4, a decision later revoked by Preliminary Investigation Judge Vilma Gilli once it was determined that there was no risk of recurrence. Valeria Verbaro, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Mar. 2024 Permits can be revoked if a court finds three separate violations occurred within 12 months or if one major violation ― like allowing an event-style party ― takes place. Marcus Reichley, The Arizona Republic, 6 Mar. 2024 The Indiana Department of Child Services revoked Wernle Youth & Family Treatment Center's residential licenses as of Feb. 26. The Indianapolis Star, 5 Mar. 2024 The filmmakers of Article 370 hope to explain why the special status of the Indian state of Kashmir needed to be revoked. Sweta Kaushal, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Roger Robb tries to intimidate Kitty Jason Clarke plays Roger Robb, the prosecutor seeking to revoke Oppenheimer’s security clearance. Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2024 Just look at Huawei, which went from challenging Apple to be the world’s second-biggest smartphone manufacturer to getting its Android license revoked and dropping out of the top five altogether. Jon Porter, The Verge, 24 Feb. 2024
Noun
The commission could deny applications, revoke certificates or issue fines in cases of companies that break laws or rules. Jeff Amy, ajc, 7 Feb. 2023 The judge on the case ruled that MSG could for the most part revoke and refuse to sell tickets to the firms, and both the plaintiffs and defendants have appealed. Ethan Millman, Rolling Stone, 21 Dec. 2022 One of his first acts as president was the revoke the NHTSA rule. Petula Dvorak, Washington Post, 24 Nov. 2022 Hulu may block, reject, revoke, or remove any Ad for any reason at any time, including if Hulu determines an Ad is inconsistent with Hulu’s business practices, strategy, standards, or brand. Ashley Belanger, Ars Technica, 26 July 2022 Georgetown's Black Law Students' Association, in a letter published on Friday, demanded that the university revoke Shapiro's employment and condemn his statements. Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 1 Feb. 2022 The Justice Department will take additional steps to crack down on gun trafficking and revoke licenses for gun dealers who willfully violate federal law. WSJ, 23 June 2021 First, revoke privileges upon user termination to make sure departing employees are no longer in the game. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 26 May 2021 The final release of Android 11 then delivered additional features related to Auto revoke permission. Chris Smith, BGR, 21 Apr. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'revoke.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French revocer, revoquer, from Latin revocare, from re- + vocare to call, from voc-, vox voice — more at voice

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1709, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of revoke was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near revoke

Cite this Entry

“Revoke.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/revoke. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

revoke

verb
re·​voke
ri-ˈvōk
revoked; revoking
: to put an end to (as a law, order, or privilege) by taking away or canceling
revoker noun
Etymology

Verb

Middle English revoken "to take back, withdraw," from early French revoquer (same meaning), from Latin revocare "to call back," from re- "back, again" and vocare "to call" — related to advocate, provoke, vocation

Legal Definition

revoke

transitive verb
re·​voke ri-ˈvōk How to pronounce revoke (audio)
revoked; revoking
: to annul by recalling or taking back: as
a
: to destroy the effectiveness of (one's will) by executing another or by an act of destruction (as tearing in half)
b
: to put an end to (a trust)
c
: to withdraw (an offer) especially before acceptance
d
: to withdraw (acceptance of goods) by refusing to keep goods because of nonconformity see also rejection
e
: to take back (as a license or a grant of parole or probation) especially because of misconduct
revoker noun

More from Merriam-Webster on revoke

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