void
Definitions
A completely empty space; a feeling of emptiness or loss
空虚；虚空；空白
Not legally valid or binding
无效的，作废的
Completely lacking something (void of)
完全没有的，缺乏的（void of）
To make (a contract or agreement) legally invalid
使无效，使作废
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom Old French voide (empty), from Latin vacuus. The noun is literal empty space. The legal sense is the key leap: to declare a contract void is to empty it of all force — it now counts for nothing, as if the space where its power was is empty.
Root vac still carries 31 more wordsWhy It Means This
Void carries "empty" into the legal world. A void contract is one emptied of all legal force — it is as if it never existed. The fixed legal phrase "null and void" doubles down on this nothingness. The emotional noun ("a void in her life") brings the metaphor back to feeling: an empty hole where something used to be.
Usage Guide
Three roles to keep straight: noun (a void = emptiness), adjective (the contract is void = invalid; void of = lacking), verb (void a warranty = cancel it). The legal/contract uses are very common in formal English.
Example Sentences
- 1.
His death left a void that could never be filled.
- 2.
The contract is null and void without both signatures.
- 3.
Tampering with the device will void the warranty.
- 4.
The room was void of any decoration.