Revoke Definition and Legal Meaning
On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Revoke, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.
What is Revoke?
(v) Revoke is the action by which a statute, law, order, promise, agreement, contract etc are nullified before it is implemented and the original position is restored. For example a government revokes a license issued to a firm to deal in beverages before expiry of the license period
History and Meaning of Revoke
Revoke is derived from the Latin word 'revocare,' which means to call back or annul. In legal terminology, it refers to the cancellation or nullification of a legal document or agreement. The revocation of a document or agreement means that the legal effect of an existing document is canceled, and the document is considered to be as though it never existed.
Revocation is usually exercised by the individual or entity that instigated the agreement. Revocation can occur for a variety of reasons, including a violation of terms or the individual or entity no longer interacting with each other.
Examples of Revoke
- A person's driver's license can be revoked if they are convicted of a driving offense.
- A government can revoke a company's license to sell alcohol if the business violates the terms of the agreement.
- An employer can revoke a job offer if the candidate fails to meet the conditions required for the position.
- A person can revoke their will at any point, negating any previously established testamentary dispositions.
- A power of attorney could be revoked by the Principal at any time.
Legal Terms Similar to Revoke
- Cancel: Cancel is the act of rendering a document or agreement invalid.
- Annul: Annul means to declare that a legal agreement was invalid from its inception.
- Rescind: The action of revoking or canceling a contract or previous arrangement.
- Overturn: A decision or ruling that has been overturned has been declared void and not enforceable.