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

The ice had barely relinquished its grip on the water when I saw it moored on its side, hidden in the reeds, covered in a layer of green slime.

From Literature

But the American showed remarkable calm and control on a masterful front nine, featuring four birdies, to move into a lead he never looked like relinquishing.

From BBC

Part of the never-ending parade of young Americans who relinquish their civilian lives and prepare to be sent to points unknown.

From The Wall Street Journal

In October, she lost her duchess title when her ex-husband relinquished his Duke of York title over his links with Epstein.

From BBC

I’m willing to negotiate a trade right now: Give us decent bedside charging, and I will gratefully relinquish every last hotel alarm clock on the planet.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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