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relinquish

/rɪˈlɪŋkwɪʃ/
verb★Intermediate— to give up or surrender
formal

To voluntarily give up or surrender something, such as a right, position, or possession.

The company was forced to relinquish control of the subsidiary after regulatory intervention.

The company had to surrender control of the subsidiary due to government regulations.

He reluctantly relinquished his title as CEO to focus on personal projects.

He gave up his position as CEO to pursue personal interests.

💡

Often used in formal or legal contexts to describe the formal surrender of rights or responsibilities.

Collocations

relinquish controlto give up authority or managementrelinquish powerto surrender political or authoritative influencerelinquish claimto abandon a legal or moral right

Synonyms

surrenderyieldabandonforfeitwaive

Antonyms

retainkeepholdclaimseize

Related Phrases

relinquish controlphrase
to give up authority or management
relinquish powerphrase
to surrender political or authoritative influence

💡Pro Tip

Formal vs. Informal Use

Use 'relinquish' in formal writing or legal contexts. In casual speech, simpler synonyms like 'give up' or 'surrender' are more natural.

⚡Gold Rule

Legal Context

In legal documents, 'relinquish' implies a formal and voluntary surrender of rights, often with legal consequences.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English *relinquisshen*, from Old French *relinquir*, from Latin *relinquere* ('to leave behind'), from *re-* ('back') + *linquere* ('to leave').

📝Usage Notes

Often used in formal or legal contexts, such as contracts, legal proceedings, or official statements. Avoid using in casual conversation; opt for simpler synonyms like 'give up' or 'surrender' in everyday speech.

Word Breakdown

re-
back
prefix
+
-linquish
to leave
root
English Dictionary

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