relinquish
verb (used with object)
to renounce or surrender (a possession, right, etc.).
was relinquishing
-
past progressiveof relinquish.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Ukrainian Ambassador to Warsaw Vasyl Bodnar said on Saturday he was relinquishing his Knight's Cross of the Polish Order of Merit, describing Nawrocki's move as a "gesture directed at the entire Ukrainian people".
From Barron's ● Jun. 20, 2026
“A condition of Ryan’s employment was relinquishing his leadership role in Fulham Square Capital,” Eddy said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 16, 2025
In response, Depardieu, through his lawyers, said he was relinquishing the honor.
From Seattle Times ● Dec. 18, 2023
Chris Silverwood was sacked as head coach following the Ashes defeat in Australia, while Joe Root announced on Friday that he was relinquishing the captaincy.
From BBC ● Apr. 17, 2022
He leaned toward the financier, his face flushed a little by the warmth of the fire and by the knowledge that Brokaw was relinquishing the situation entirely into his hands.
From Flower of the North A Modern Romance by James Oliver Curwood
