View synonyms for relinquish

relinquish

[ ri-ling-kwish ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used with object)

to renounce or surrender (a possession, right, etc.):
to relinquish the throne.
to give up; put aside or desist from:
to relinquish a plan.
Synonyms: resign, desert, forswear, quit, leave, abdicate, forego, waive, cede, yield
to let go; release:
to relinquish one's hold.

relinquish

/ rɪˈlɪŋkwɪʃ /

verb

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

Discover More

Derived Forms

reˈlinquishment, noun
reˈlinquisher, noun

Discover More

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

Discover More

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 )

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of relinquish¹

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

Discover More

Synonym Study

See abandon.

Discover More

Example Sentences

The Legislature already banned this practice, and relinquishing its power over that ban to an appointed commission makes no sense.

From Los Angeles Times

Many thought she would sell the company, or relinquish the publisher position, but instead she dug in.

From Los Angeles Times

Almanza and Maxwell were arraigned Monday and released on the condition that they relinquish their passports.

From Los Angeles Times

However, they have finally relinquished the reins, and the deal raises the prospect of a rethink and an expansion of the franchise.

From BBC

He believes he is the better grits-maker in the family, so I have happily relinquished that job to him.

From Salon

Related Words

reline reliquary

Browse