su·per·sede / ˌsoōpərˈsēd/ • v. [tr.] take the place of (a person or thing previously in authority or use); supplant: the older models have now been superseded.DERIVATIVES: su·per·ses·sion / -ˈseshən/ n.

supersede †postpone XV; †desist or refrain from; †render superfluous or void XVI; take the place of something set aside XVII. In early use often -cede. — OF. supercéder, later -séder — L. supersedēre (in medL. often -cēdere) set above, be superior to, refrain from, omit. f. SUPER- + sedēre SIT. supersession setting aside of a rule, etc. XVIII; substitution of a person in the place of one removed XIX. — F. or medL.

SUPERSEDE

To obliterate, replace, make void, or useless.

Supersede means to take the place of, as by reason of superior worth or right. A recently enacted statute that repeals an older law is said to supersede the prior legislation.

A superseding cause is an act of a third person or some intervening force that prevents a tortfeasor from being held liable for harm to another. A supervening act is one that insulates an actor from responsibility for negligently causing a dangerous condition that results in an injury to the plaintiff.