What does it mean to supersede?

To supersede means to take the place of something or to set it aside, particularly in a context where a new rule, law, or version is introduced that replaces an older one. This term is frequently used in legal or formal contexts where an updated provision ousts a previous one, thereby making it obsolete. For example, if a new policy is adopted that provides new guidelines, it supersedes the older guidelines, indicating that the latter are no longer in effect.

This concept often implies that the superseding item carries more authority or relevance, thus rendering the previous one ineffective. Understanding the nuances of this term helps in grasping topics related to hierarchy, updates, and changes in various fields, including law, software updates, and organizational structures.