撤销

• Pinyin: chè xiāo
• Hanzi breakdown: 撤 = 扌(hand) + 育 + 攵, to withdraw; 销 = 钅(metal) + 肖 (resemble), to eliminate

Meaning

To revoke; to cancel; to withdraw; to rescind. To formally annul or reverse a decision, order, or position.

A formal term used in legal, administrative, and official contexts. Can refer to revoking licenses, canceling decisions, withdrawing charges, or abolishing positions. More formal than 取消 and implies reversing something that was previously established.

Examples

1. 法院撤销了原判决，宣告被告无罪。 The court revoked the original verdict and declared the defendant not guilty.
2. 由于违规操作，他的营业执照被撤销了。 Due to regulatory violations, his business license was revoked.
3. 公司决定撤销这个部门，相关员工将被重新分配。 The company decided to abolish this department, and the related employees will be reassigned.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, administrative, business

Tone: official

Do Say

• 这项决定已被撤销。(This decision has been revoked.)
• 他申请撤销诉讼。(He applied to withdraw the lawsuit.)

Don't Say

• 口语中可以用'取消'代替'撤销' (In casual speech, 取消 can be used instead of 撤销 — 撤销 is more formal and implies reversing an official decision)

Origin & History

Combines 撤 (to withdraw) with 销 (to cancel/eliminate), forming a formal term for official cancellation or revocation.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal