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relinquish

v.
C1 Advanced US //ɹiˈɫɪŋkwɪʃ// UK //ɹɪlˈɪnkwɪʃ// re·lin·quish

v. to give up control, power, or a possession to someone else. You usually do this because you have to, or because it is the right thing to do.

v. to voluntarily or formally give up a claim, right, or possession. Often implies a degree of reluctance or the fulfillment of a legal or social obligation.


SIMPLE

The king decided to relinquish his throne to his daughter.

CONTEXTUAL

After the scandal, the CEO was forced to relinquish his position and all voting rights in the company.

COMPLEX

The treaty required both nations to relinquish their claims to the disputed territory, effectively creating a neutral buffer zone that would be monitored by international observers.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English relinquisshen, from the inflected stem relinquiss- of Middle French relinquir, from Latin relinquere, itself from re- + linquere (“to leave”). Compare also Sanskrit रिणक्ति (riṇakti, “to leave”).

Usage

The verb is transitive and requires a direct object; often used in formal or legal contexts regarding rights or property.

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