Abolishment vs. Abolition — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 4, 2024
Abolishment refers to the act of formally ending something, whereas abolition is the action or an act of abolishing a system, practice, or institution.
Difference Between Abolishment and Abolition
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Abolishment is a noun that denotes the act of officially ending or putting an end to something, often used in legal or formal contexts. On the other hand, abolition specifically refers to the act of doing away with a system, practice, or institution, particularly those considered unjust, such as slavery or the death penalty.
While both terms are related to the concept of ending something, abolishment is often used in a broader sense, applicable to a wide range of situations. Abolition, however, is more commonly associated with significant social or political movements aimed at ending particularly harmful or unethical practices.
The term abolition has historical significance, especially in the context of the abolitionist movement which sought to end slavery in the 18th and 19th centuries. Abolishment, while it can be used in similar contexts, does not carry the same historical weight and is more neutral.
In usage, "abolition" is often preferred when discussing the eradication of practices that are widely considered morally reprehensible. In contrast, "abolishment" may be used in contexts where the focus is on the legal or procedural aspect of ending something, rather than the moral implications.
Both terms share the root of ending or terminating something, but they differ in their connotations and the specificity of their use. Abolition is more likely to be used in discussions about ending longstanding social injustices, while abolishment might be used in more varied contexts, including less charged scenarios.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
The act of formally ending something.
The act of doing away with a system or practice.
Usage Context
Broader, any formal ending.
Often used in context of social or political movements.
Connotation
Neutral, procedural.
Associated with moral or ethical implications.
Historical Significance
Less historically specific.
Strongly linked to movements like the abolition of slavery.
Examples
Laws, regulations, policies.
Slavery, the death penalty, discriminatory practices.
Compare with Definitions
Abolishment
The formal or official elimination of a law, policy, or institution.
The abolishment of the outdated law was celebrated by many.
Abolition
The action or an act of abolishing a system, practice, or institution, especially those deemed unjust.
The abolition of slavery was a pivotal moment in history.
Abolishment
It is applied in various contexts where something is officially ended.
The government announced the abolishment of the controversial tax.
Abolition
Commonly associated with social justice and reform movements.
Activists are fighting for the abolition of the death penalty.
Abolishment
Can refer to ending both practices and tangible entities.
The council voted for the abolishment of parking fees in the city center.
Abolition
Carries a moral or ethical implication, suggesting improvement or progress.
The abolition of discriminatory laws marked a step forward for equality.
Abolishment
Generally neutral, focusing on the act of ending without implying moral judgment.
The new policy led to the abolishment of fees for basic services.
Abolition
Linked to historical and ongoing struggles against oppression.
The abolition movement against slavery is studied in history classes worldwide.
Abolishment
Often used in legal and administrative contexts.
The legislative body is considering the abolishment of certain outdated regulations.
Abolition
Primarily used regarding significant societal issues and injustices.
The conference focused on the abolition of human trafficking.
Abolishment
To do away with; put an end to; annul
Voted to abolish the tax.
Abolition
The act of doing away with or the state of being done away with; annulment.
Abolishment
(Archaic) To destroy completely.
Abolition
Abolishment of slavery.
Abolishment
The act of abolishing; abolition; destruction.
Abolition
The act of abolishing; an annulling; abrogation.
Abolishment
The act of abolishing; abolition; destruction.
Abolition
The state of being abolished.
Abolishment
The act of abolishing a system or practice or institution (especially abolishing slavery);
The abolition of capital punishment
Abolition
The ending of the slave trade or of slavery.
Abolition
The ending of convict transportation.
Abolition
(obsolete) An amnesty; a putting out of memory.
Abolition
The act of abolishing, or the state of being abolished; an annulling; abrogation; utter destruction; as, the abolition of slavery or the slave trade; the abolition of laws, decrees, ordinances, customs, taxes, debts, etc.
Abolition
The act of abolishing a system or practice or institution (especially abolishing slavery);
The abolition of capital punishment
Common Curiosities
Why might someone choose "abolishment" over "abolition"?
"Abolishment" might be chosen for its neutral tone, especially in contexts that are administrative rather than morally driven.
Can abolishment and abolition be used interchangeably?
While they are similar, they are not always interchangeable due to the specific connotations and historical significance associated with abolition.
What is the difference between abolishment and abolition?
Abolishment refers to the formal ending of something, while abolition specifically targets the ending of unjust systems or practices.
Can organizations be involved in abolition?
Yes, many organizations focus on the abolition of practices like animal cruelty, the death penalty, and human trafficking.
What does the abolitionist movement refer to?
The abolitionist movement refers to the historical campaign to end slavery, especially in the 18th and 19th centuries in the United States and Europe.
How do the terms reflect on social change?
"Abolition" is more commonly associated with significant social reforms or changes, particularly those involving justice and human rights.
What is the significance of abolition in contemporary society?
In contemporary society, abolition remains a powerful concept in the fight against systemic injustices and for progressive social change.
Is abolition only related to slavery?
Although closely associated with the historical fight against slavery, abolition can apply to any movement aimed at ending harmful practices or systems.
Can a government policy be subject to abolition?
Yes, government policies, especially those deemed unjust or harmful, can be targets for abolition.
Is there a legal difference between abolishment and abolition?
Legally, both terms refer to the act of ending something, but "abolition" often carries a heavier moral implication.
Are there recent examples of abolition?
Recent examples include movements for the abolition of mass incarceration and the private prison system.
How does the context change the use of abolishment?
In less charged, more administrative contexts, such as the ending of a policy or fee, "abolishment" is more commonly used.
What role do activists play in abolition?
Activists are often at the forefront of abolition efforts, advocating for the end of practices they see as unjust or harmful.
How do historical contexts influence the understanding of these terms?
Historical contexts, especially those involving significant social reforms, tend to enrich the understanding and emotional weight of "abolition."
How does the media portray abolition movements?
Media portrayals vary, but abolition movements are often depicted as pivotal moments in the struggle for justice and equality.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Characteristic vs. Description
Next Comparison
Dale vs. MoorAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
