renegade

[ ren-i-geyd ]

noun

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

   Synonyms: betrayer, deserter, dissenter, 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

Elizabeth Jacobs, a cancer and nutritional epidemiologist at the University of Arizona, summed up much of the scientific community’s feelings about a self-styled renegade leading NIH.

From Salon

When he wrote and directed his debut feature, renegade western “The Harder They Fall,” Netflix was reluctant to let him also score it; under pressure, he met with several “established” Hollywood composers about collaborating.

From Los Angeles Times

For Mr Musk - who relishes being a "disrupter" and renegade - there's little question that his lucrative relationships with the US government will continue, no matter the result of the November election.

From BBC

The brand writes that the show was inspired by “renegade pageant queens and patriots.”

From Los Angeles Times

If anything, raw talent and a slightly renegade persona — his body covered in tattoos — translated into 8 million followers on social media and lucrative deals with the likes of Nike and Monster Energy.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• reactionary