abrogate

MEANING:
verb tr. To put aside or treat as nonexistent, especially by an authoritative act.


ETYMOLOGY:
From Latin abrogatus (repealed), past participle of abrogare (to repeal a law), from ab- (away from) + rogare (to ask, propose a law). Ultimately from the Indo-European reg- (to move in a straight line, to lead or rule) that is also the source of regent, regime, direct, rectangle, erect, rectum, alert, source, and surge.


USAGE:
"I am proud to be sponsoring this amendment with the senior senator from West Virginia [Robert Byrd]. He's absolutely right that Congress has abrogated its oversight responsibilities."
Remarks of Senator Barack Obama on the Military Commission Legislation; Sep 28, 2006.