renounce

/rɪˈnaʊns/
to formally reject or give up

She decided to renounce her citizenship to avoid taxes.

She formally gave up her citizenship to avoid paying taxes.


formal

to formally reject or give up a right, privilege, or claim

The king renounced the throne in favor of his son.

The king formally gave up the throne to his son.

Often used in legal or formal contexts, such as renouncing citizenship or inheritance.

formal

to abandon or reject a belief, principle, or way of life

He renounced his religious beliefs after years of doubt.

He formally rejected his religious beliefs after years of doubt.

This usage is often associated with a public or formal declaration.

Collocations

renounce one's citizenshipto formally give up one's citizenshiprenounce a claimto formally reject a legal or moral claimrenounce a titleto formally give up a title or position

Related Phrases

renounce one's vowsphrase
to formally reject or abandon religious or marital vows
renounce all worldly possessionsphrase
to give up all material goods or attachments

Pro Tip

Formal Context

'Renounce' is typically used in formal or legal contexts, such as renouncing citizenship or a claim.

Gold Rule

Formal Rejection

'Renounce' implies a formal and deliberate rejection or abandonment, often with legal or social implications.

Word Origin

From Middle English *renouncen*, from Old French *renoncer*, from Latin *renuntiāre* (to announce, declare, renounce), from *re-* (again) + *nuntiāre* (to announce).

Usage Notes

The verb 'renounce' is often used in formal or legal contexts, such as renouncing citizenship or a claim. It implies a deliberate and formal rejection or abandonment.

Word Breakdown

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