revoke

Revoke is a verb meaning to cancel, withdraw, or reverse a decision, grant, permission, or status that was previously granted. The noun form revocation refers to the act or the result of revoking. Etymology: from Latin revocare “to call back” from re- “back” + vocare “to call.”

In legal and administrative contexts, authorities or issuers may revoke licenses, permits, certificates, or privileges. Revocation makes the instrument or status void from an effective date, which may be immediate or specified. Grounds include noncompliance, fraud, breach of conditions, or policy changes. Revocation differs from expiration (where rights lapse due to time) or termination (mutual or contractual ending).

Procedures vary: revocation is typically accompanied by formal notice, an effective date, and sometimes an opportunity to appeal or cure deficiencies. In some jurisdictions, revocation can be temporary during investigations.

Digital revocation is common in information technology: a digital certificate may be revoked if the private key is compromised or the certificate is misissued. Revoked certificates are listed in certificate revocation lists (CRLs) or checked via online certificate status protocol (OCSP).

See also: rescission, annulment, invalidation, withdrawal.