relegate

[rel-i-geyt]

verb (used with object)

relegated, relegating 

1. to send or consign to an inferior position, place, or condition.

   He has been relegated to a post at the fringes of the diplomatic service.

2. to consign or commit (a matter, task, etc.), as to a person.

   He relegates the less pleasant tasks to his assistant.

   Synonyms: entrust, consign, assign

3. to assign or refer (something) to a particular class or kind.

4. to send into exile; banish.

relegate

/ ˈrɛlɪˌɡeɪt /

verb

1. to move to a position of less authority, importance, etc; demote

2. (usually passive) to demote (a football team, etc) to a lower division

3. to assign or refer (a matter) to another or others, as for action or decision

4. (foll by to) to banish or exile

5. to assign (something) to a particular group or category

Other Word Forms

• relegable adjective
• relegation noun
• unrelegable adjective
• relegatable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of relegate¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English from Latin relēgātus, past participle of relēgāre “to send away, dispatch”; re-, legate

Word History and Origins

Origin of relegate¹

C16: from Latin relēgāre to send away, from _re- + lēgāre to send

Example Sentences

What remains is a flattened, inaccurate history that centers white heterosexual Christian men as the architects of American greatness, relegating others to mere bystanders or occupying passive, supporting roles.

From Salon

United finished 15th in the Premier League last season, their worst finish to a top-flight campaign since they were relegated from the old First Division in 1973-74.

From BBC

I wouldn't be surprised if we were relegated, that's how shocking we are.

From BBC

Guardiola saw an opportunity to sign a winner, someone who is already established as a world class player, which relegated Trafford from being the main man for a short time to playing a supporting role.

From BBC

They earned their fewest points in a top-flight season since they were last relegated in 1973–74.

From BBC

Related Words

• consign 
• entrust 
• refer