Relinquish — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ri-ˈliŋ-kwish/ re·lin·quish

Meaning & Definition of Relinquish

Relinquish (verb)

  1. to withdraw or retreat from, leave behind
  2. give up
  3. to stop holding physically, release

Relinquish (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to give (something) over to the control or possession of another usually under duress

    "the boy reluctantly relinquished the illegal fireworks to the police officer"

    similar: cede, cough up, deliver, give up, hand over, lay down, render, surrender, turn in, turn over, yield
    related: commit, consign, entrust, transfer, forfeit, release, waive, abnegate, renounce, resign, abandon, desert, discard, forsake, part (with), shed
    near: keep, retain, withhold

  2. to give up (as a position of authority) formally

    "the retiring CEO relinquished his position to the company's vice president with very mixed feelings"

    similar: abdicate, abnegate, cede, renounce, resign, step aside (from), step down (from), surrender
    related: abjure, demit, deny, disavow, disclaim, disown, waive, forsake, give up, hand over, yield, abandon, desert, quit, vacate
    near: appropriate, arrogate, assume, claim, confiscate, seize, take over, usurp, wrest, defend, guard, protect, safeguard, secure

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Relinquish

The most common words with a similar meaning to Relinquish:

cede, cough up, deliver, give up, hand over, lay down, render, surrender, turn in, turn over, yield, abdicate, abnegate, renounce, resign, step aside (from), step down (from)

Related Words for Relinquish

commit, consign, entrust, transfer, forfeit, release, waive, abandon, desert, discard, forsake, part (with), shed, abjure, demit, deny, disavow, disclaim, disown, quit, vacate

Near Antonyms of Relinquish

keep, retain, withhold, appropriate, arrogate, assume, claim, confiscate, seize, take over, usurp, wrest, defend, guard, protect, safeguard, secure

Word Forms of Relinquish

Inflections: relinquished, relinquishing, relinquishes

Derived words: relinquishment (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Relinquish

Middle English relinquisshen, from Anglo-French relinquiss-, stem of relinquir, from Latin relinquere to leave behind, from re- + linquere to leave loan

First known use: 15th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Relinquish

What does "Relinquish" mean?

"Relinquish" means to withdraw or retreat from, leave behind. As a verb, it is defined as: to withdraw or retreat from, leave behind. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Relinquish"?

Other words for "Relinquish" include cede, cough up, deliver, give up, hand over, lay down, render and surrender. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Relinquish" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Relinquish"?

There are 38 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Relinquish". Common alternatives include cede, cough up, deliver, give up, hand over, lay down, render, surrender, turn in and turn over.

How do you use "Relinquish" in a sentence?

Examples of "Relinquish" in a sentence: "the boy reluctantly relinquished the illegal fireworks to the police officer"; "the retiring CEO relinquished his position to the company's vice president with very mixed feelings".

Is "Relinquish" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Relinquish" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Relinquish"?

"Relinquish" is pronounced /ri-ˈliŋ-kwish/ and divided into syllables as re·lin·quish.

What is the origin of the word "Relinquish"?

"Relinquish" comes from Middle English relinquisshen, from Anglo-French relinquiss-, stem of relinquir, from Latin relinquere to leave behind, from re- + linquere to leave loan. First known use: 15th century.

What is another word for "Relinquish" meaning "to give (something) over to the control or possession of another usually under duress"?

When "Relinquish" (verb) means to give (something) over to the control or possession of another usually under duress, synonyms include cede, cough up, deliver, give up, hand over and lay down.