relegate

[ rel-i-geyt ]

verb (used with object)

, rel·e·gat·ed, rel·e·gat·ing.

1. to send or consign to an inferior position, place, or condition:

   He has been relegated to a post at the fringes of the diplomatic service.

2. to consign or commit (a matter, task, etc.), as to a person:

   He relegates the less pleasant tasks to his assistant.

   Synonyms: entrust, consign, assign

3. to assign or refer (something) to a particular class or kind.
4. to send into exile; banish.

relegate

/ ˈrɛlɪˌɡeɪt /

verb

1. to move to a position of less authority, importance, etc; demote
2. usually passive to demote (a football team, etc) to a lower division
3. to assign or refer (a matter) to another or others, as for action or decision
4. foll by to to banish or exile
5. to assign (something) to a particular group or category

Derived Forms

• ˌreleˈgation, noun
• ˈreleˌgatable, adjective

Other Words From

• rel·e·ga·ble [rel, -i-g, uh, -b, uh, l], adjective
• rel·e·ga·tion [rel-i-, gey, -sh, uh, n] noun
• un·rel·e·ga·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of relegate¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English from Latin relēgātus, past participle of relēgāre “to send away, dispatch”; re-, legate

Word History and Origins

Origin of relegate¹

C16: from Latin relēgāre to send away, from re- + lēgāre to send

Example Sentences

Regardless, it is 12 months since he said pointedly he would stick around even if City were "relegated to League One".

From BBC

The EFL believes the payments - worth tens of millions of pounds to relegated clubs - distort competition and encourage reckless spending among Championship clubs.

From BBC

However, a brief turnaround in form, which included beating a Luton side that was relegated from the Premier League last season and a comprehensive win at Middlesbrough, was not enough to save his job.

From BBC

The teams who finish fourth in each League A group will be relegated, with the League B group winners going up to replace them.

From BBC

The move relegates Miller Moss to a reserve role after nine uneven starts this season.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• consign
• entrust
• refer