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void
/vɔɪd/
empty space or feeling
After the argument, there was a void between them.
An emotional emptiness or gap in their relationship.
formal
A completely empty space; emptiness.
The universe began as a dense point of energy before expanding into the void.
The vast empty space of the cosmos.
The contract was declared null and void.
Legally invalid or without force.
In law, 'void' describes something that has no legal force or effect.
literary
A feeling of emptiness or loss.
The death of her pet left a void in her life.
A deep emotional emptiness.
Often used metaphorically to describe emotional absence.
Law
formal
To declare something legally invalid.
The court voided the agreement due to fraud.
The court declared the agreement legally invalid.
Collocations
null and voidlegally invalidfill the voidto alleviate emptinessexistential voida deep sense of meaninglessness
Pro Tip
Avoid confusion with 'avoid'
'Void' and 'avoid' sound similar but have different meanings. 'Void' relates to emptiness or invalidation, while 'avoid' means to stay away from.
Gold Rule
Check context for legal meaning
In legal contexts, 'void' often means 'invalid' or 'without legal force.'
Word Origin
From Old French 'void' (empty, vast), from Latin 'vacivus' (empty), related to 'vacare' (to be empty).
Usage Notes
As an adjective, 'void' can mean 'completely empty' (e.g., 'a void space') or 'not legally binding' (e.g., 'a void contract'). As a noun, it refers to emptiness or a feeling of loss. As a verb, it means to invalidate legally.
Word Breakdown
void
empty space or feeling
rootEnglish Dictionary