diff --git a/lisp/lib/text.el b/lisp/lib/text.el
index 968b127fd..53e88c10b 100644
--- a/lisp/lib/text.el
+++ b/lisp/lib/text.el
@@ -221,7 +221,7 @@ line to beginning of line. Same as `evil-delete-back-to-indentation'."
 (defun doom/delete-backward-word (arg)
   "Like `backward-kill-word', but doesn't affect the kill-ring."
   (interactive "p")
-  (let (kill-ring)
+  (let ((kill-ring nil) (kill-ring-yank-pointer nil))
     (ignore-errors (backward-kill-word arg))))
 
 ;;;###autoload