renege

American  

[ri-nig, -neg, -neeg] / rɪˈnɪg, -ˈnɛg, -ˈnig /

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.

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verb (used with object)

reneged, reneging

1. Archaic. to deny; disown; renounce.

noun

1. Cards. an act or instance of reneging.

renege British  

/ -ˈneɪɡ, rɪˈniːɡ /

verb

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

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verb

1. cards other words for revoke

Other Word Forms

• reneger noun

Etymology

Origin of renege

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

Example Sentences

Simon unleashed a tirade at Coach executive Todd Kahn during their first meeting in the first decade of the 2000s, after the handbag maker tried to renege on deals to open stores in Simon malls.

From The Wall Street Journal

Cipriani sued media executive Jeff Shell for breach of contract and fraud, alleging Shell reneged on a deal and disclosed confidential Paramount information.

From The Wall Street Journal

One said that it was wrong to "renege on promises" by making people who "uprooted their lives to come here" to wait longer for permanent residency.

From BBC

Instead, the Ravens reneged after reportedly having concerns about Crosby’s physical exam following knee surgery earlier this year.

From The Wall Street Journal

This wish is granted, but Salieri reneges on his end of the deal after losing faith in the Almighty.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• back out
• default on
• go back
• go back on one's word
• pull out
• retract
• reverse