nix

1 of 4

verb

ˈniks 

nixed; nixing; nixes

transitive verb

US, informal

: to refuse to accept or allow (something) : veto, reject

The court nixed the merger.

Many of Paris's newest hangouts are nixing gilded French style in favor of white walls, psychedelia and menus of tuna carpaccio and Parmesan-arugula salad.

—Jane Sigal

Prince has cited artistic factors for nixing the reunion.

—Chris Willman

nix

2 of 4

adverb

: no

—used to express disagreement or the withholding of permission

—often used with on

they said nix on our plan

nix

3 of 4

noun (1)

: nothing

There's a whole day's work for nix.

nix

4 of 4

noun (2)

: a water sprite of Germanic folklore

Synonyms

Verb

• decline
• deny
• disallow
• disapprove
• negative
• refuse
• reject
• reprobate
• withhold

Examples of nix in a Sentence

Verb

our supervisor nixed my request to work from home, if only on a trial basis

movie audiences have effectively nixed the idea of the reviving the old-fashioned western by emphatically ignoring this latest effort

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The rift between branches of Idaho’s government stems from developers’ lawsuit against the state over its agreement to purchase the Idaho Transportation Department headquarters on State Street — a $52 million sale that the Legislature nixed during this year’s session. —Ian Max Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 31 May 2024

Its slip-on silhouette is flexible and breathable, nixing the pesky break-in period and offering an immediately comfortable fit. —Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 30 May 2024

For cellular models, Apple nixes the physical SIM card tray and uses eSIM only. —PCMAG, 25 May 2024

Even one hold-out would nix the policy from being offered. —Maayan Silver, NPR, 24 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1), Verb, and Adverb

German nichts nothing

Noun (2)

German, from Old High German nihhus; akin to Old English nicor water monster and perhaps to Greek nizein to wash

First Known Use

Verb

circa 1903, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1862, in the meaning defined above

Noun (1)

1789, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1833, in the meaning defined above