renegade

[ren-i-geyd]

noun

1. a person who deserts a party or cause for another.

   Synonyms: dissenter, betrayer, deserter, traitor

2. an apostate from a religious faith.

adjective

1. of or like a renegade; traitorous.

renegade

/ ˈrɛnɪˌɡeɪd /

noun

1. 1. a person who deserts his or her cause or faith for another; apostate; traitor

   2. ( as modifier )

      a renegade priest

2. any outlaw or rebel

Word History and Origins

Origin of renegade¹

First recorded in 1575–85; from Spanish renegado, from Medieval Latin renegātus, noun use of past participle of renegāre “to desert”; renege

Word History and Origins

Origin of renegade¹

C16: from Spanish renegado , from Medieval Latin renegāre to renounce, from Latin _re- + negāre to deny

Example Sentences

As the show points out, these designers were regularly dismissed as “outlaws,” “iconoclasts” and “renegades,” all terms they would come to embrace.

From Los Angeles Times

This particular stretch of track, which wends north from the town of Dunsmuir, is a renegade route for hikers to one of northern California’s most enchanting natural sights, Mossbrae Falls.

From Los Angeles Times

Meanwhile, India is deepening ties with Taiwan, which China views as a renegade province.

From BBC

Those left behind are a desperate lot: A renegade sheriff takes the law into his own hands.

From Los Angeles Times

They are weak but cunning, untrustworthy, sneaky, and renegades.

From Salon

Related Words

• defector 
• deserter 
• dissident 
• heretic 
• insurgent 
• mutineer 
• traitor