Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense voids, present participle voiding, past tense, past participle voided
1. countable noun [usually singular]
If you describe a situation or a feeling as a void, you mean that it seems empty because there is nothing interesting or worthwhile about it.
His death has left a void in the cricketing world which can never be filled. [+ in]
...an aching void of loneliness.
Synonyms: gap, space, lack, want More Synonyms of void
2. countable noun
You can describe a large or frightening space as a void.
He stared into the dark void where the battle had been fought.
The ship moved silently through the black void.
Observers have found in the universe giant voids about 500,000,000 light-years across.
3. adjective [verb-link ADJECTIVE]
Something that is void or null and void is officially considered to have no value or authority.
The original elections were declared void by the former military ruler.
The agreement will be considered null and void.
Synonyms: invalid, null and void, inoperative, useless More Synonyms of void
4. adjective
If you are void of something, you do not have any of it.
[formal]
He rose, his face void of emotion as he walked towards the door. [+ of]
The treaty is now void of absolute commitments.
Synonyms: devoid of, without, lacking, free from More Synonyms of void
5. verb
To void something means to officially say that it is not valid.
[formal]
The Supreme Court threw out the confession and voided his conviction for murder. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: invalidate, nullify, cancel, withdraw More Synonyms of void
More Synonyms of void
void in British English
(vɔɪd)
adjective
1.
without contents; empty
2.
not legally binding
null and void
3.
(of an office, house, position, etc) without an incumbent; unoccupied
4. (postpositive; foll byof)
destitute or devoid
void of resources
5.
having no effect; useless
all our efforts were rendered void
6.
(of a card suit or player) having no cards in a particular suit
a void spade suit
she was void in spades
noun
7.
an empty space or area
the huge desert voids of Asia
8.
a feeling or condition of loneliness or deprivation
his divorce left him in a void
9.
a lack of any cards in one suit
a void in spades
10. Also called: counter
the inside area of a character of type, such as the inside of an o
verb(mainly tr)
11.
to make ineffective or invalid
12.
to empty (contents, etc) or make empty of contents
13. (also intr)
to discharge the contents of (the bowels or urinary bladder)
14. archaic
to vacate (a place, room, etc)
15. obsolete
to expel
Derived forms
voider (ˈvoider)
noun
voidness (ˈvoidness)
noun
Word origin
C13: from Old French vuide, from Vulgar Latin vocītus (unattested), from Latin vacuus empty, from vacāre to be empty
void in American English
(vɔɪd)
adjective
1.
not occupied; vacant
said of benefices, offices, etc.
2.
a.
holding or containing nothing
b.
devoid or destitute (of)
void of sense
3.
having no effect or result; ineffective; useless
4. Cards
holding no cards in a suit as dealt to the hand
to be void in clubs
5. Law
a.
of no legal force; not binding; invalid; null
b. Loosely
capable of being nullified
noun
6.
total emptiness; an empty space or vacuum
7.
a.
total absence of something normally present
b.
a feeling of emptiness or deprivation
the void left by his death
8.
a break or open space, as in a surface; gap
9. Cards
the absence, from a player's hand as dealt, of any cards in a certain suit
a void in clubs
verb transitive
10. Rare
a.
to make empty; clear
b.
to vacate
11.
a.
to empty (the contents of something)
b.
to evacuate, or discharge (urine or feces)
12.
to make void, or of no effect; nullify; annul
verb intransitive
13.
to defecate or, esp., to urinate
SIMILAR WORDS: ˈempty
Derived forms
voidable (ˈvoidable)
adjective
voider (ˈvoider)
noun
Word origin
ME voide < OFr vuide < VL *vocitus, for L vocivus, var. of vacivus < vacare, to be empty
void in Finance
(vɔɪd)
Word forms: (present) voids, (past) voided, (perfect) voided, (progressive) voiding
verb
(Finance: Banking)
If you void a check or an invoice, you cancel it by changing the amount to zero, while leaving the transaction still posted.
Items that are sequentially numbered such as checks, invoices, and purchase ordersare voided rather than deleted so that every numbered document can be accounted for.
When you void an invoice, the invoice number continues to exist so that you can account for it.
If you void a check or an invoice, you cancel it by changing the amount to zero, while leavingthe transaction still posted.
void in Insurance
(vɔɪd)
adjective
(Insurance: General)
If a contract or official agreement is void, it is not legal and has no effect.
If the voyage itself is illegal under the laws of the country under whose flag theship sails, then the insurance is void.
The policy is void if the policyholder, at any time, intentionally conceals or misrepresents a materialfact.
If a contract or official agreement is void, it is not legal and has no effect.
void in Accounting
(vɔɪd)
verb
(Accounting: Commerce)
If you void a check or an invoice, you cancel it by changing the amount to zero, while leavingthe transaction still posted.
Items that are sequentially numbered such as checks, invoices, and purchase ordersare voided rather than deleted so that every numbered document can be accounted for.
When you void an invoice, the invoice number continues to exist so that you can account for it.
If you void a check or an invoice, you cancel it by changing the amount to zero, while leavingthe transaction still posted.
Examples of 'void' in a sentence
void
Who is ready to fill the void?
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Original be considered null and void.
The Sun (2016)
Technology is certainly expected to help fill the void, but to what degree?
Smithsonian Mag (2017)
There is now a gaping void between popular understanding of imperialism and knowledge of empires, including our own.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
They have left a huge void in our lives.
The Sun (2008)
The chef wants the agreement declared void.
The Sun (2014)
All was not dark and void a day or a week or a month before.
Kantrow, Alan M. The Constraints of Corporate Tradition (1987)
But pass is too supine with such a shapely hand including a void in their suit.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
There will always be an empty void in my heart.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
We have to fill the political void.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
His death has left a void in the world.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
It filled a void in my life and nearly destroyed it.
The Sun (2014)
He has left a huge void in our hearts.
The Sun (2008)
That's what makes her absence now such a void.
Christianity Today (2000)
How do you play the following suit combinations, each with a powerful suit facing a void?
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
It's going to be more expensive to fill that void now.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Musicians have stared into the void and pondered space and the Moon since the first notes were sung.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
We have faced the void that lies beneath the veil of existence and followed the path of Duty.
Stanley Bing THROWING THE ELEPHANT (2002)
Your marriage to their mother will be legally void, but it sounds like her husband has been out of her life for some time.
The Sun (2009)
In other languages
void
British English: void /vɔɪd/ ADJECTIVE
Something that is void is officially considered to have no value or authority.
The vote was declared void.
American English: void
Arabic: بَاطِل
Brazilian Portuguese: nulo
Chinese: 无效的
Croatian: nevažeći
Czech: neplatný
Danish: ugyldig
Dutch: ongeldig
European Spanish: nulo
Finnish: mitätön
French: nul sans valeur juridique
German: ungültig
Greek: κενός
Italian: nullo
Japanese: 無効の
Korean: 무효의
Norwegian: ugyldig
Polish: pozbawiony
European Portuguese: vazio
Romanian: nul
Russian: пустой
Latin American Spanish: nulo
Swedish: ogiltig
Thai: ที่เป็นโมฆะ
Turkish: geçersiz
Ukrainian: недійсний
Vietnamese: không giá trị
British English: void /vɔɪd/ NOUN
If you describe a situation or a feeling as a void, you mean that it seems empty because there is nothing interesting or worthwhile about it.
When he went away, he left a very deep void in my life.
American English: void
Arabic: فارِغ
Brazilian Portuguese: vazio
Chinese: 空旷
Croatian: praznina
Czech: prázdnota
Danish: tomrum
Dutch: leegte
European Spanish: vacío
Finnish: tyhjyys
French: vide
German: Leere
Greek: κενό
Italian: vuoto
Japanese: 空虚な感じ
Korean: 공허감
Norwegian: tomrom
Polish: próżnia
European Portuguese: vazio
Romanian: gol
Russian: пустота
Latin American Spanish: vacío falta, carencia o ausencia
Swedish: tomrum
Thai: ความว่างเปล่า
Turkish: boşluk uzay, geometri
Ukrainian: порожнеча
Vietnamese: cảm giác trống rỗng
British English: void VERB
To void something means to officially say that it is not valid.
The court threw out the confession and voided his conviction for murder.
American English: void
Brazilian Portuguese: anular
Chinese: 正式宣布…无效
European Spanish: anular
French: annuler
German: aufheben
Italian: annullare
Japanese: 無効にする
Korean: 무효로 하다
European Portuguese: anular
Latin American Spanish: anular
Chinese translation of 'void'
void
(vɔɪd)
n(c)
(= space) 空间(間) (kōngjiān)
(fig, = emptiness) 空虚(虛) (kōngxū)
adj
(= invalid)[vote, contract]无(無)效的 (wúxiào de)
to be void of sth (frm) 缺乏某物 (quēfá mǒuwù)
1 (adjective)
Definition
having no official value or authority, because the terms have been broken or have not been fulfilled
The elections were declared void by the former military ruler.
Synonyms
invalid
The trial was stopped and the results declared invalid.
null and void
inoperative
The mine has been inoperative since May last year.
useless
He realised that their money was useless in this country.
ineffective
They are burdened with an ineffective leader.
worthless
Training is worthless unless there is proof that it works.
ineffectual
The ill-advised and ineffectual policies
unenforceable
nonviable
2 (adjective)
Definition
devoid of or without
His face was void of emotion as he left the room.
Synonyms
devoid of
without
lacking
free from
wanting
bereft of
empty of
bare of
destitute of
a country destitute of natural resources
vacant of
3 (adjective)
Definition
empty
(old-fashioned)
Synonyms
empty
The room was bare and empty.
free
There's only one seat free on the train.
clear
All exits must be kept clear in case of fire.
emptied
drained
bare
a bare, draughty interviewing room
vacant
They came upon a vacant house.
unoccupied
The house was unoccupied at the time of the explosion.
unfilled
tenantless
Opposites
full
,
complete
,
filled
,
occupied
,
tenanted
,
abounding
,
replete
1 (noun)
Definition
a feeling or condition of loneliness or deprivation
His departure has created a void which will never be filled.
Synonyms
gap
the wind tearing through gaps in the window frames
space
Affix your stamps on the space provided.
lack
Despite his lack of experience, he got the job.
want
The men were daily becoming weaker for want of rest.
hole
They got in through a hole in the wall.
kids with holes in the knees of their jeans
blank
Everything was a complete blank.
emptiness
2 (noun)
Definition
an empty space or area
the limitless void of outer space
Synonyms
emptiness
She wanted an artistic hobby to fill the emptiness of her days.
space
vacuum
The spinning turbine creates a vacuum.
oblivion
blankness
His eyes have the blankness of someone half-asleep.
nullity
vacuity
1 (verb)
Definition
to make ineffective or invalid
The Supreme Court voided his conviction for murder.
Synonyms
invalidate
An official decree invalidated the vote.
nullify
He used his broad executive powers to nullify decisions by local government.
cancel
Her insurance had been cancelled by the company.
withdraw
He withdrew his remarks and said he had not intended to cause offence.
reverse
They have made it clear they will not reverse the decision.
undo
It would be difficult to undo the damage that had been done.
repeal
The government has just repealed that law.
quash
The Appeal Court has quashed the convictions.
revoke
The government revoked his licence.
disallow
He ruled that my testimony should be disallowed.
retract
He hurriedly sought to retract the statement.
repudiate
They had repudiated her contract.
negate
These environmental protection laws could be negated if the EU decides they interfere with trade.
rescind
You will rescind that order immediately.
annul
The marriage was annulled last month.
abrogate
The next prime minister could abrogate the treaty.
countermand
I can't countermand her orders.
render invalid
abnegate
2 (verb)
Definition
to discharge the contents of (the bowels or bladder)
Synonyms
empty
I emptied the washing machine.
eliminate (physiology)
I was eliminated from the 400 metres in the semifinals.
drain
machines to drain water out of the mines
discharge
The resulting salty water will be discharged at sea.
evacuate
faeces evacuated from the bowels
emit
The stove emitted a cloud of evil-smelling smoke.
eject
He fired a single shot, then ejected the spent cartridge.
related words
related phobiakenophobia
Additional synonyms
in the sense of abrogate
Definition
to cancel (a law or an agreement) formally
The next prime minister could abrogate the treaty.
Synonyms
revoke,
end,
recall,
withdraw,
reverse,
cancel,
scrap (informal),
abolish,
set aside,
override,
void,
repeal,
renounce,
quash,
take back,
call back,
retract,
repudiate,
negate,
rescind,
invalidate,
annul,
nullify,
recant,
obviate,
disclaim,
countermand,
declare null and void
in the sense of annul
Definition
to declare (a contract or marriage) invalid
The marriage was annulled last month.
Synonyms
invalidate,
reverse,
cancel,
abolish,
void,
repeal,
recall,
revoke,
retract,
negate,
rescind,
nullify,
obviate,
abrogate,
countermand,
declare or render null and void
in the sense of bare
Definition
lacking appropriate furnishings, etc.
a bare, draughty interviewing room
Synonyms
empty,
wanting,
mean,
lacking,
deserted,
vacant,
void,
scarce,
barren,
uninhabited,
unoccupied,
scanty,
unfurnished
Synonyms of 'void'
void
Explore 'void' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of blank
Definition
the condition of not understanding
Everything was a complete blank.
Synonyms
void,
vacuum,
vacancy,
emptiness,
nothingness,
vacuity,
tabula rasa
in the sense of blankness
His eyes have the blankness of someone half-asleep.
Synonyms
vacancy,
indifference,
abstraction,
lack of interest,
incomprehension,
vacuity,
inanity,
absent-mindedness,
obliviousness,
fatuity,
inattentiveness,
vacuousness,
incuriousness
in the sense of cancel
Her insurance had been cancelled by the company.
Synonyms
annul,
abolish,
repeal,
abort,
quash,
do away with,
revoke,
repudiate,
rescind,
obviate,
abrogate,
countermand,
eliminate
in the sense of clear
Definition
free of obstruction
All exits must be kept clear in case of fire.
Synonyms
unobstructed,
open,
free,
empty,
unhindered,
unimpeded,
unhampered
in the sense of countermand
Definition
to cancel (a previous order)
I can't countermand her orders.
Synonyms
cancel,
reverse,
override,
repeal,
revoke,
retract,
rescind,
annul
in the sense of destitute of
a country destitute of natural resources
Synonyms
lacking,
wanting,
without,
in need of,
deprived of,
devoid of,
bereft of,
empty of,
drained of,
deficient in,
depleted in
in the sense of disallow
Definition
to reject as untrue or invalid
He ruled that my testimony should be disallowed.
Synonyms
reject,
refuse,
ban,
dismiss,
cancel,
veto,
forbid,
embargo,
prohibit,
rebuff,
repudiate,
disown,
proscribe,
disavow,
disclaim,
abjure
in the sense of discharge
Definition
to cause to pour forth
The resulting salty water will be discharged at sea.
Synonyms
pour forth,
release,
empty,
leak,
emit,
dispense,
void,
gush,
ooze,
exude,
give off,
excrete,
disembogue
in the sense of drain
Definition
to draw off or remove (liquid) from
machines to drain water out of the mines
Synonyms
remove,
draw,
empty,
withdraw,
milk,
tap,
pump,
bleed (informal),
evacuate
in the sense of eject
Definition
to push or send out forcefully
He fired a single shot, then ejected the spent cartridge.
Synonyms
discharge,
expel,
emit,
give off
Additional synonyms
in the sense of eliminate
Definition
to remove (a competitor or team) from a contest, esp. following a defeat
I was eliminated from the 400 metres in the semifinals.
Synonyms
knock out,
drop,
reject,
exclude,
axe (informal),
get rid of,
expel,
leave out,
throw out,
omit,
put out,
eject
in the sense of emit
Definition
to give or send forth (heat, light, a smell, etc.)
The stove emitted a cloud of evil-smelling smoke.
Synonyms
give off,
release,
shed,
leak,
transmit,
discharge,
send out,
throw out,
vent,
issue,
give out,
radiate,
eject,
pour out,
diffuse,
emanate,
exude,
exhale,
breathe out,
cast out,
give vent to,
send forth
in the sense of evacuate
Definition
to discharge waste from the body
faeces evacuated from the bowels
Synonyms
excrete,
empty,
dump (slang, US),
eliminate,
shit (taboo, slang),
discharge,
expel,
crap (taboo, slang),
void,
eject,
defecate
in the sense of free
Definition
not occupied or in use
There's only one seat free on the train.
Synonyms
available,
extra,
empty,
spare,
vacant,
unused,
uninhabited,
unoccupied,
untaken
in the sense of hole
Definition
an opening in or through something
They got in through a hole in the wall.kids with holes in the knees of their jeans
Synonyms
opening,
split,
crack,
break,
tear,
gap,
rent,
breach,
outlet,
vent,
puncture,
aperture,
fissure,
orifice,
perforation
in the sense of ineffective
Definition
having no effect or an inadequate effect
They are burdened with an ineffective leader.
Synonyms
inefficient,
inadequate,
useless (informal),
poor,
weak,
pathetic,
powerless,
unfit,
feeble,
worthless,
inept,
impotent,
ineffectual
in the sense of ineffectual
Definition
having no effect or an inadequate effect
The ill-advised and ineffectual policies
Synonyms
inefficient,
useless (informal),
powerless,
poor,
weak,
inadequate,
pathetic,
unfit,
ineffective,
feeble,
worthless,
inept,
impotent
in the sense of inoperative
Definition
not working or functioning
The mine has been inoperative since May last year.
Synonyms
out of action,
useless,
out of order,
broken,
broken-down,
ineffective,
buggered (slang, British),
invalid,
defective,
ineffectual,
unworkable,
null and void,
out of service,
out of commission,
unserviceable,
hors de combat,
on the fritz (US, slang),
inefficacious,
nonactive
in the sense of lack
Definition
shortage or absence of something required or desired
Despite his lack of experience, he got the job.
Synonyms
shortage,
want,
absence,
deficiency,
need,
shortcoming,
deprivation,
inadequacy,
scarcity,
dearth,
privation (formal),
shortness,
destitution,
insufficiency,
scantiness,
debt
in the sense of negate
Definition
to cause to have no value or effect
These environmental protection laws could be negated if the EU decides they interfere with trade.
Synonyms
invalidate,
reverse,
cancel,
wipe out,
void,
repeal,
revoke,
retract,
rescind,
neutralize,
annul,
nullify,
obviate,
abrogate,
countermand
Additional synonyms
in the sense of nullify
Definition
to make (something) legally void
He used his broad executive powers to nullify decisions by local government.
Synonyms
invalidate,
quash,
revoke,
render null and void,
abolish,
void,
repeal,
rescind,
annul,
abrogate
in the sense of quash
Definition
to officially reject (something, such as a judgment or decision) as invalid
The Appeal Court has quashed the convictions.
Synonyms
annul,
overturn,
reverse,
cancel,
overthrow,
set aside,
void,
revoke,
overrule,
rescind,
invalidate,
nullify,
declare null and void
in the sense of repeal
Definition
to cancel (a law) officially
The government has just repealed that law.
Synonyms
abolish,
reverse,
revoke,
annul,
recall,
withdraw,
cancel,
set aside,
rescind,
invalidate,
nullify,
obviate,
abrogate,
countermand,
declare null and void
in the sense of repudiate
Definition
to reject the authority or validity of
They had repudiated her contract.
Synonyms
cancel,
withdraw,
reverse,
abolish,
set aside,
repeal,
renounce,
quash,
take back,
call back,
revoke,
retract,
negate,
renege,
rescind,
recall,
invalidate,
annul,
nullify,
recant,
obviate,
disclaim,
abrogate,
countermand,
declare null and void
in the sense of rescind
Definition
to annul or repeal
You will rescind that order immediately.
Synonyms
annul,
recall,
reverse,
cancel,
overturn,
set aside,
void,
repeal,
quash,
revoke,
retract,
invalidate,
obviate,
abrogate,
countermand,
declare null and void
in the sense of retract
Definition
to withdraw (a statement, charge, etc.) as invalid or unjustified
He hurriedly sought to retract the statement.
Synonyms
withdraw,
take back,
revoke,
disown,
deny,
recall,
reverse,
cancel,
repeal,
renounce,
go back on,
repudiate,
rescind,
renege on,
back out of,
disavow,
recant,
disclaim,
abjure,
eat your words,
unsay
in the sense of reverse
Definition
to revoke or set aside (a judgment or decree)
They have made it clear they will not reverse the decision.
Synonyms
change,
alter,
cancel,
overturn,
overthrow,
set aside,
undo,
repeal,
quash,
revoke,
overrule,
retract,
negate,
rescind,
invalidate,
annul,
obviate,
countermand,
declare null and void,
overset,
upset
in the sense of revoke
Definition
to take back or cancel (an agreement, will, etc.)
The government revoked his licence.
Synonyms
cancel,
recall,
withdraw,
reverse,
abolish,
set aside,
repeal,
renounce,
quash,
take back,
call back,
retract,
repudiate,
negate,
renege,
rescind,
invalidate,
annul,
nullify,
recant,
obviate,
disclaim,
abrogate,
countermand,
declare null and void
in the sense of space
Definition
a blank portion or area
Affix your stamps on the space provided.
Synonyms
blank,
gap,
interval
in the sense of undo
Definition
to reverse the effects of
It would be difficult to undo the damage that had been done.
Synonyms
reverse,
cancel,
offset,
wipe out,
neutralize,
invalidate,
annul,
nullify
Additional synonyms
in the sense of unoccupied
Definition
(of a building) without occupants
The house was unoccupied at the time of the explosion.
Synonyms
empty,
vacant,
uninhabited,
untenanted,
tenantless
in the sense of useless
Definition
ineffectual, weak, or stupid
He realised that their money was useless in this country.
Synonyms
worthless,
of no use,
valueless,
pants (slang),
ineffective,
impractical,
fruitless,
unproductive,
ineffectual,
unworkable,
disadvantageous,
unavailing,
bootless,
unsuitable
in the sense of vacant
Definition
(of a toilet, room, etc.) unoccupied or not being used
They came upon a vacant house.
Synonyms
empty,
free,
available,
abandoned,
deserted,
to let,
for sale,
on the market,
void,
up for grabs,
disengaged,
uninhabited,
unoccupied,
not in use,
unfilled,
untenanted
in the sense of vacuity
Synonyms
emptiness,
space,
vacuum,
void,
nothingness
in the sense of vacuum
Definition
a space which contains no air or other gas
The spinning turbine creates a vacuum.
Synonyms
emptiness,
space,
void,
gap,
empty space,
nothingness,
vacuity
in the sense of want
Definition
a lack, shortage, or absence
The men were daily becoming weaker for want of rest.
Synonyms
lack,
need,
absence,
shortage,
deficiency,
famine,
default,
shortfall,
inadequacy,
scarcity,
dearth,
paucity (formal),
shortness,
insufficiency,
non-existence,
scantiness
in the sense of withdraw
Definition
to take back (a statement) formally
He withdrew his remarks and said he had not intended to cause offence.
Synonyms
retract,
recall,
take back,
revoke,
rescind,
disavow,
recant,
disclaim,
abjure,
unsay
in the sense of worthless
Definition
without value or usefulness
Training is worthless unless there is proof that it works.