defeasance

noun

de·​fea·​sance di-ˈfē-zən(t)s 

1

a(1)

: the termination of a property interest in accordance with stipulated conditions (as in a deed)

(2)

: an instrument stating such conditions of limitation

b

: a rendering null or void

2

: defeat, overthrow

Synonyms

• abatement
• abolishment
• abolition
• abrogation
• annulment
• avoidance
• cancellation
• cancelation
• dissolution
• invalidation
• negation
• nullification
• quashing
• repeal
• rescindment
• voiding

Examples of defeasance in a Sentence

the kind of gross misconduct that could result in the defeasance of the athlete's contract to endorse their products

Recent Examples on the Web

A couple of other candidates lurk in the wings, but SOFR is achieving the most traction, according to Rob Finlay, founder of Thirty Capital, LLC, a defeasance and derivative consulting firm. —Joshua Stein, Forbes, 10 Nov. 2021

Word History

Etymology

Middle English defesaunce, borrowed from Anglo-French defaisaunce, defesaunce "undoing, ruin, annulling of a document, condition in the document activating the annulment," from defesaunt, present participle of defaire, desfaire "to undo, put an end to, destroy, nullify" + -aunce -ance — more at defeat entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Legal Definition

defeasance

noun

de·​fea·​sance di-ˈfē-zəns 

1

a

: a condition (as in a deed or will) that upon fulfillment terminates a property interest

b

: an instrument setting forth such a condition

2

: a rendering null or void

Etymology

Anglo-French defesance, literally, undoing, destruction, from Old French deffesant, present participle of deffaire to destroy, undo see defeat