renege

[ri-nig, -neg, -neeg]

verb (used without object)

reneged, reneging 

1. Cards.,  to play a card that is not of the suit led when one can follow suit; break a rule of play.

2. to go back on one's word.

   He has reneged on his promise.

verb (used with object)

reneged, reneging 

1. Archaic.,  to deny; disown; renounce.

noun

1. Cards.,  an act or instance of reneging.

renege

/ -ˈneɪɡ, rɪˈniːɡ /

verb

1. to go back (on one's promise, etc)

verb

1. cards other words for revoke

Other Word Forms

• reneger noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of renege¹

1540–50; earlier renegue < Medieval Latin renegāre, equivalent to re- re- + negāre to deny ( negative )

Word History and Origins

Origin of renege¹

C16 (in the sense: to deny, renounce): from Medieval Latin renegāre to renounce; see _renegade

Example Sentences

Unless Hamas reneges before Monday, this “first phase” deal will free all 20 living Israeli hostages still in Gaza—within 72 hours of a small Israeli withdrawal.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

A separate group of plaintiffs has sued the government, claiming it’s reneging on its duty to protect the horses.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"Hamas has already celebrated the UK's decision as a victory and reneged on a ceasefire deal."

Read more on BBC

RFK Jr., as has been well remarked, reneged on his promise.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Liverpool couldn't envisage what was about to happen, however, as Palace effectively reneged on an agreement to sell, because of difficulty in signing an experienced replacement.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• back out 
• default on www.thesaurus.com
• go back 
• go back on one's word www.thesaurus.com
• pull out 
• retract 
• reverse