
Countermand
Authority Required
Use 'countermand' when someone with authority cancels an action or rule made previously.
The principal can countermand any school policy changes made by a teacher.
Not Informal
'Countermand' is formal, often found in legal, military, or business contexts, not common in casual conversation.
The general will countermand any retreat orders if new intelligence is received.
Implies Conflicting Orders
Using 'countermand' suggests there were previous instructions that are now being changed or nullified.
The CEO countermanded the directive to work weekends following employee feedback.
Compare with
AbolishAnnulCancelInvalidateOverturnRescindReverseRevoke
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