contracts

Ab initio is a Latin term that means "from the beginning” or “from inception.” Ab initio is used to indicate that some fact existed from the start of a relevant time period. It is often used as part of the phrase “void ab initio,” meaning something (such as a marriage) was void from the beginning.

An “abandoned application” refers to the abandonment of a patent or trademark application.  An application is removed from the docket of pending applications at the U.S.

• patent law

To abate means to eliminate or to nullify. 

This verb usually arises in the context of abatement.

[Last reviewed in October of 2024 by the Wex Definitions Team]

An abatement clause is defined as a provision in a lease agreement that releases the tenant from paying rent if an act of God makes occupancy impossible or otherwise precludes the property from being used.

See also: Abatement

• property

To abrogate is to formally annul or repeal a law through an act of legislation, constitutional authority, or custom. For example, the Supreme Court of Michigan explained in Ferency v.

• lawsuits-court

The absolute-bar rule prevents a creditor from obtaining a deficiency judgment if collateral was disposed of in a commercially unreasonable manner. 

Abusive discharge is a terminated employee’s claim that their termination breached some public policy of the state.  Abusive discharge claims are often brought when no claim for breach of contract or violation of a statute can be alleged. Thus, the employee attempts to show that

An acceleration clause is a term in a contract (typically a loan agreement) that requires a party to make all payments due under the contract if certain conditions occur. An acceleration clause is typic

• contract law
• Finance
• business law
• commercial law
• DEBTOR AND CREDITOR
• mortgages

To accept means to receive something with approval (i.e., consent). This usually arises in the context of accepting a payment that is late or not complete, or accepting delivery of legal papers (acceptance of service).

Acceptance means to assent to the terms of an offer. Some common uses of the term “acceptance” in a legal sense include: