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Synonyms

resign

American  
[ri-zahyn] / rɪˈzaɪn /

verb (used without object)

  1. to give up an office or position, often formally (often followed byfrom ).

    to resign from the presidency.

    Synonyms:
    withdraw
  2. to submit; yield.

    to resign before the inevitable.


verb (used with object)

  1. to give up (an office, position, etc.), often formally.

    Synonyms:
    leave, quit, renounce, abdicate
  2. to relinquish (a right, claim, agreement, etc.).

    Synonyms:
    cede, surrender, give up, forgo
  3. to give or sign over, as to the control or care of another.

    She resigned her child to an adoption agency.

  4. to submit (oneself, one's mind, etc.) without resistance.

resign British  
/ rɪˈzaɪn /

verb

  1. to give up tenure of (a job, office, etc)

  2. (tr) to reconcile (oneself) to; yield

    to resign oneself to death

  3. (tr) to give up (a right, claim, etc); relinquish

    he resigned his claim to the throne

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Usage

What does resign mean? Resign most commonly means to give up one’s job or position.When used this way, resign can be used without an object, as in He resigned yesterday, or with one, as in She is expected to resign her position. In its general sense, resign means to yield or submit, as in When he knew he couldn’t possibly win the match, he decided to resign. Example: They say he resigned on his own, but I think he was forced out.

Other Word Forms

  • resigner noun

Etymology

Origin of resign

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English resignen, from Middle French resigner, from Latin resignāre “to open, release, cancel,” literally, “to seal back,” from re- re- + signāre “to mark, seal” ( sign )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The director of the Louvre museum in Paris has resigned, months after the high-profile theft of France's crown jewels from one of the world's most visited art galleries.

From BBC

He resigned his seat four days later, on 2 May.

From BBC

Lord Mandelson resigns his membership of the Labour Party, saying he does not want to "cause further embarrassment" over his links to Epstein.

From BBC

Multiple members of the Italy board are said to have resigned over this case and other governance issues, BBC Sport has been told.

From BBC

Schwank, who resigned Feb. 13, is scheduled to testify at the forum.

From Los Angeles Times