relinquish

American  

[ri-ling-kwish] / rɪˈlɪŋ kwɪʃ /

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.

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relinquish British  

/ 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

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Related Words

See abandon.

Other Word Forms

• nonrelinquishment noun
• relinquisher noun
• relinquishment noun
• unrelinquished adjective
• unrelinquishing adjective

Etymology

Origin of relinquish

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 )

Example Sentences

But it recognizes a stark reality: If Maduro relinquishes power, the oil pumped by Chevron—and one day, perhaps others—would play a big role in the country’s economic recovery, they say.

From The Wall Street Journal

His match-winning century in Perth gave Australia a momentum they have never looked like relinquishing.

From BBC

In his statement on X, Jolley said his appointment had become a "distraction" for the club and he would "relinquish the opportunity to become first-team manager".

From BBC

But the shares peaked in December 2023, and have since relinquished their earlier gains.

From Barron's

The athletic apparel company said Chief Executive Officer Calvin McDonald will step down in January and relinquish his board seat.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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