撤廃

• Reading: てっぱい
• Romaji: teppai
• Kanji breakdown: 撤 (tetsu) — withdraw, remove; 廃 (hai/suta) — abolish, discard
• Pronunciation: /tep.pai/

Meaning

Abolition; repeal; removal; elimination. The complete cancellation or dismantling of a rule, system, tax, or restriction.

A suru-verb noun (撤廃する) describing the permanent removal of something previously established — laws, tariffs, discriminatory practices, or institutional barriers. Stronger than 廃止 in emphasising the act of sweeping away rather than simply stopping. Common in legal, policy, and rights-movement discourse.

Examples

1. 関税の撤廃により貿易が活発化した。 The abolition of tariffs revitalised trade.
2. 不合理な規制を撤廃することが経済成長の鍵だ。 Eliminating unreasonable regulations is the key to economic growth.
3. 差別的な制度を撤廃する運動が広がった。 A movement to abolish discriminatory institutions spread widely.

Usage Guide

Context: law, trade policy, civil rights

Tone: reformist

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound of 撤 (withdraw, remove) and 廃 (abolish, discard). Together they convey actively dismantling something that was previously in force.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Professional