relinquish

[ ri-ling-kwish ]

verb (used with object)

1. to renounce or surrender (a possession, right, etc.):

   to relinquish the throne.

2. to give up; put aside or desist from:

   to relinquish a plan.

   Synonyms: resign, desert, forswear, quit, leave, abdicate, forego, waive, cede, yield

3. to let go; release:

   to relinquish one's hold.

relinquish

/ rɪˈlɪŋkwɪʃ /

verb

1. to give up (a task, struggle, etc); abandon
2. to surrender or renounce (a claim, right, etc)
3. to release; let go

Derived Forms

• reˈlinquishment, noun
• reˈlinquisher, noun

Other Words From

• re·linquish·er noun
• re·linquish·ment noun
• nonre·linquish·ment noun
• unre·linquished adjective
• unre·linquish·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of relinquish¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English relinquissen, relinquisshen, from Middle French relinquiss-, long stem of relinquir ≪ Latin relinquere “to leave behind,” equivalent to re- re- + linquere “to leave” (akin to lend )

Word History and Origins

Origin of relinquish¹

C15: from French relinquir , from Latin relinquere to leave behind, from re- + linquere to leave

Synonym Study

See abandon.

Example Sentences

They accuse the platform of forcing them to relinquish their copyright when they sign contracts – and with it, their claim to profit.

From BBC

By autumn 2023, Trump had opened a massive lead in most Republican primary polls – a margin he would never relinquish.

From BBC

A two-yard touchdown run from sophomore running back Ceasar Reyes with 3:14 remaining in the third quarter staked Garfield to a lead it would not relinquish.

From Los Angeles Times

In the retelling of this story, Dodgers officials say they never doubted that Betts would relinquish his place at shortstop and move back to right field.

From Los Angeles Times

Alexsanian then had the Ukrainian relinquish control of the facilities’ bank accounts to him, prosecutors said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abandon
• abdicate
• cede
• drop out
• forgo
• hand over
• quit
• renounce
• surrender
• vacate
• waive
• withdraw
• yield