relinquish

[ ri-ling-kwish ]

verb (used with object)

1. to renounce or surrender (a possession, right, etc.):

   to relinquish the throne.

2. to give up; put aside or desist from:

   to relinquish a plan.

   Synonyms: resign, desert, forswear, quit, leave, abdicate, forego, waive, cede, yield

3. to let go; release:

   to relinquish one's hold.

relinquish

/ rɪˈlɪŋkwɪʃ /

verb

1. to give up (a task, struggle, etc); abandon
2. to surrender or renounce (a claim, right, etc)
3. to release; let go

Derived Forms

• reˈlinquisher, noun
• reˈlinquishment, noun

Other Words From

• re·linquish·er noun
• re·linquish·ment noun
• nonre·linquish·ment noun
• unre·linquished adjective
• unre·linquish·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of relinquish¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English relinquissen, relinquisshen, from Middle French relinquiss-, long stem of relinquir ≪ Latin relinquere “to leave behind,” equivalent to re- re- + linquere “to leave” (akin to lend )

Word History and Origins

Origin of relinquish¹

C15: from French relinquir , from Latin relinquere to leave behind, from re- + linquere to leave

Synonym Study

See abandon.

Example Sentences

Officials there told Kaper that mothers who chose anonymity at the time of relinquishing their children couldn’t be revealed, and have denied his requests.

From Quartz

On top of this, my ex was able to post false information about me on “liars and cheaters” forums enabled by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which allows digital platforms to relinquish ultimate responsibility over user-posted content.

From Fortune

Trusting creators to know their audience and deliver great content means it’s OK for the brand to relinquish a degree of control.

From Digiday

Still despite some recent forced innovation, journalists in particular can be a symbolic bunch, reticent to relinquish time-honored traditions, processes and language more reminiscent of the inky fingered days when the print product reigned supreme.

From Digiday

When an employee walks into a meeting they are relinquishing control.

From Freakonomics

To be a hero, you must accept your fate and relinquish control to it.

From The Daily Beast

She has yet to relinquish her anonymity and is unavailable for any comment.

From The Daily Beast

He would not relinquish presidential power and live to regret it, like his cousin.

From The Daily Beast

Should I relinquish my passport and book permanent passage on an infantilizing escorted “adventure” to the Mall of America next?

From The Daily Beast

But it was clear from the start that no matter how strongly he was challenged, Morsi would never relinquish the presidency.

From The Daily Beast

Gradually he began to feel a little sheepish, but nevertheless he did not relinquish his desire to break up the service.

From Project Gutenberg

Was it certain that the united force of all her neighbours would be sufficient to compel her to relinquish her prey?

From Project Gutenberg

I resolved, rather than act further, to relinquish the handsome payments he made to me from time to time.

From Project Gutenberg

Several instances have proved the people are determined to relinquish the barbarous system of commandoes for stealing cattle.

From Project Gutenberg

The men left their floating prisons only to relinquish comfort and to "rough it."

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• abandon
• abdicate
• cede
• drop out
• forgo
• hand over
• quit
• renounce
• surrender
• vacate
• waive
• withdraw
• yield