The crossword solution for the term 'make inoperative' is 'ANNUL'. Annulment is a legal process that renders a marriage or other contract null and void. It is a way to legally end a marriage without going through a divorce. Annulment can also be used to make other contracts, such as business agreements, invalid. Annulment is different from divorce in that it declares the marriage never existed, while divorce acknowledges the marriage but ends it.