# divest

/daɪˈvɛst/ (US) · /daɪvˈɛst/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/divest
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

to sell off a company's assets or shares in another company. You do this to reduce risk or to follow a specific investment strategy.

For teachers: to sell off an asset, such as a company or shares, as part of a strategic or financial decision. Often used in the context of corporate finance or investment management.

## Examples

- The company decided to divest its shares in the failing bank.
- To reduce its environmental impact, the firm chose to divest from all fossil fuel industries over the next five years.
- The board of directors voted to divest from the manufacturing division, citing the high costs of modernization and the lack of a clear long-term growth strategy.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.