Rescind

To rescind means to revoke, cancel, or repeal a law, decision, or agreement. It involves the formal withdrawal or annulment of some type of authority or commitment, rendering it void or null. The term is often used in legal contexts, describing actions taken by governing bodies or institutions to overturn their previous decisions. Rescinding can apply to contracts, directives, or regulations, and typically highlights a change in policy or circumstance that necessitates this reversal.

Rescind meaning with examples

• After further investigation into the termination policy, the company decided to rescind its notice to lay off employees, recognizing the potential impact on its workforce and the need for stability. The decision was met with considerable relief among staff, who feared sudden unemployment. By choosing to reverse this course of action, the leadership aimed to foster unity and mitigate the negative consequences that layoffs would have had on employee morale and productivity.
• The city council voted unanimously to rescind the controversial zoning amendment that had allowed for high-rise buildings in a residential neighborhood. Many local residents had expressed their concerns about potential traffic congestion and loss of community character. After listening to public feedback, council members agreed that maintaining the current zoning was essential for preserving the neighborhood's integrity and for ensuring that future development aligns with the wishes of the community.
• In response to the backlash over a new regulation that restricted access to public parks, the state government swiftly moved to rescind the policy. Advocacy groups had rallied en masse, arguing that such limitations infringed upon citizens' rights to enjoy natural spaces. By retracting the regulation, officials not only appeased community members but also demonstrated their commitment to upholding democratic values and responding to constituent concerns in a timely manner.
• The school board faced intense pressure from parents and students alike to rescind the recently implemented dress code, which many deemed overly restrictive and not representative of the diverse student body. After holding a series of meetings, the board ultimately decided to revise the code instead of rescinding it altogether, showing a willingness to compromise while still addressing the need for a structured learning environment.