Pronunciation: [ɐdˈɛmpt] (IPA) 
Adempt is a word that refers to the act of taking away or removal. The IPA transcription for Adempt is /ædɛmpt/, with the first syllable pronounced as "ad" (like in "addition") and the second syllable as "empt" (like in "attempt"). The spelling of this word is quite uncommon and may cause confusion for those unfamiliar with it. However, it is still used in legal contexts and is important to add to one's vocabulary.
Adempt is a legal term that refers to the revocation or cancellation of a gift of property or a bequest in a will. When an individual makes a gift or bequest in a will but subsequently disposes of or destroys the subject of the gift or bequest before their death, it is considered ademption.
Ademption occurs when the specific property that was intended to be given or bequeathed no longer exists or is no longer owned by the testator or the donor at the time of their death. This results in the gift or bequest being rendered ineffective, as the property no longer exists to be transferred to the intended recipient.
Ademption can occur in various ways, such as through the sale, transfer, or destruction of the gifted property. The principle behind ademption is that the testator or donor is assumed to have changed their mind or no longer intended for the property to be given or bequeathed.
In legal terms, the doctrine of ademption will be applied by the courts to determine the extent to which gifts or bequests have been revoked due to the property's absence or unavailability. The courts will examine the specific language used in the will or gift instrument and interpret it accordingly, taking into consideration the nature of the property involved and the testator or donor's intentions.
Overall, ademption is a legal concept that addresses the revocation or cancellation of a gift or bequest when the property intended to be given no longer exists or is no longer owned by the testator or donor.
The word "adempt" comes from the Latin term "ademptus", which is the past participle of the verb "adimere". "Adimere" is a compound word comprising the preposition "ad" (meaning "to" or "towards") and the verb "emere" (meaning "take" or "grab"). Therefore, "ademptus" essentially means "taken away" or "removed". In English, "adempt" retains a similar meaning, referring to something that has been revoked, rescinded, or taken away.
