indefeasibility
|in-de-fea-si-bi-li-ty|
/ˌɪndɪfiːˈzɪbɪlɪti/
not able to be undone
Etymology
'indefeasibility' originates from the prefix 'in-' (Latin, meaning 'not') combined with 'defeasible' and the nominalizing suffix '-ity'; 'defeasible' comes via Medieval Latin/Old French from Latin roots meaning 'to undo' or 'to nullify'.
'indefeasibility' developed from Latin-derived elements: Medieval Latin/Old French forms related to 'defeas-' (meaning to undo or annul) produced Middle English 'defeasible'; adding the negative prefix 'in-' produced 'indefeasible' in Modern English, and the abstract noun form became 'indefeasibility'.
Originally related to the idea of being 'able to be undone or annulled' (defeasible); with the negative prefix 'in-' the meaning shifted to 'not able to be undone or annulled' and is now used especially in legal contexts to mean 'irrevocable' or 'not subject to defeat'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the state or quality of being indefeasible; not subject to being annulled, voided, defeated, or rendered invalid (often used in legal contexts, e.g., title or rights that cannot be undone).
The indefeasibility of the title was established by the court.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/10 22:07