renounce

/rɪˈnaʊns/
verbIntermediate
formal

To formally reject or abandon a claim, right, privilege, or position, often in a public or legal context.

After years of political controversy, the senator decided to renounce his office.

The heir renounced his inheritance to pursue a simpler life.

💡

Often used in legal, political, or religious contexts.

Collocations

renounce citizenshipto formally give up one's nationalityrenounce a claimto reject a legal or moral right to somethingrenounce a titleto formally reject a position or honor

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

renounce one's vowsphrase
to formally reject religious or marital vows
renounce violencephrase
to reject the use of force or aggression

💡Pro Tip

Formal Usage

Use 'renounce' in formal or legal contexts, such as renouncing citizenship or a legal claim.

Gold Rule

Legal Context

In legal contexts, 'renounce' often implies a formal and irrevocable rejection of a right or claim.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English *renouncen*, from Old French *renoncer*, from Latin *renuntiare* (to announce back, reject), from *re-* (back) + *nuntiare* (to announce).

📝Usage Notes

Often used in formal or legal contexts, such as renouncing citizenship or a legal claim. Can also be used in religious or philosophical contexts to describe rejecting worldly attachments.

Word Breakdown

re-
back, again
prefix
+
-nounce
to announce or declare
root
English Dictionary