Divest: meaning, definitions and examples

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divest

[dɪˈvɛst ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

finance

Deprive (someone) of power, rights, or possessions.

Synonyms

deprive, dispossess, strip.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
divest	Generally used in formal or business contexts where someone is stripped of power, rights, possessions, or other formal properties. It can also mean to rid oneself of something. The company decided to divest its non-core assets He had to divest himself of old habits
deprive	Used when someone or something is being kept away from something they need or want. It often has a negative connotation relating to basic needs or rights. The sanctions deprived the region of essential goods He was deprived of his right to a fair trial
strip	Used in both literal and figurative contexts where something is completely removed. Can imply a more violent or sudden action. The storm stripped the trees of their leaves The scandal stripped him of his reputation
dispossess	Often used in legal or formal situations where someone is forcefully removed or separated from possession, especially property or land. The court order sought to dispossess the tenants from the building Many indigenous peoples were dispossessed of their ancestral lands

Examples of usage

Many companies are divesting their assets in order to focus on core business operations.
The government decided to divest the company of its monopoly status.
She was divested of her inheritance by her greedy relatives.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

finance

Withdraw (money or assets) from a company or investment.

Synonyms

dispose of, liquidate, sell-off.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
divest	The term 'divest' should not be repeated; refer back to its previously provided context and examples.
sell-off	Use 'sell-off' in financial or business contexts when referring to the rapid selling of assets, often in large quantities, usually to reduce losses or raise funds quickly. This term might imply a somewhat urgent or negative reason for selling. The sudden sell-off of shares caused the stock price to plummet Investors initiated a sell-off after the company posted disappointing earnings
liquidate	Use 'liquidate' in financial contexts, especially when referring to converting assets into cash, often in relation to closing a business or settling debts. This word can also carry a negative connotation if it suggests ending a business operation. The store is liquidating all its inventory before shutting down After the bankruptcy, the company had to liquidate its assets to pay off creditors
dispose of	Use 'dispose of' in everyday contexts when referring to getting rid of, throwing away, or eliminating something. This word can be used for both tangible and intangible items. She decided to dispose of her old clothes The company needs a better way to dispose of hazardous waste

Examples of usage

Investors are divesting from fossil fuels and shifting towards renewable energy.
The pension fund divested its holdings in tobacco companies.
They divested themselves of risky investments before the market crash.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'divestire', meaning 'to undress' or 'strip off'.
It was first recorded in English in the late 15th century, originally referring to the act of removing clothing.
Over time, its meaning expanded to include the removal of ownership or authority over something.

Finance

Investors may divest from companies that do not align with their ethical values, a practice known as socially responsible investing.
Some funds specialize in 'divesting' from fossil fuels, focusing instead on renewable energy sources.
Divestment can impact stock prices, as selling off shares may create downward pressure on a company’s valuation.

Law

In legal contexts, individuals or organizations can divest assets as part of a settlement in asset forfeiture cases.
Corporate mergers often require divestiture of overlapping assets to satisfy regulatory compliance.
Divestment laws can sometimes force governmental bodies to sell off holdings in certain industries due to public policy changes.

Environmental Activism

Divestment movements from fossil fuels have gained traction among universities and institutions concerned about climate change.
Activists argue that divesting from polluting industries helps to decrease their influence and capital.
The 'Fossil Fuel Divestment Campaign' cites ethical reasons for withdrawing financial support from companies that harm the environment.

Cultural Impact

The concept of divestment has roots in social movements, such as the anti-apartheid movement which encouraged divestment from South Africa.
In art and literature, divestment can symbolize shedding old identities or beliefs for a new beginning.
Films and documentaries on economic justice often explore themes of divestment and the moral implications of investment choices.

Translations

Translations of the word "divest" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desinvestir

🇮🇳 त्यागना

🇩🇪 verkaufen

🇮🇩 menjual

🇺🇦 позбавлятися

🇵🇱 pozbyć się

🇯🇵 売却する

🇫🇷 désinvestir

🇪🇸 desinvertir

🇹🇷 elden çıkarmak

🇰🇷 매각하다

🇸🇦 تصفية الاستثمارات

🇨🇿 prodat

🇸🇰 predať

🇨🇳 剥离

🇸🇮 odprodati

🇮🇸 selja

🇰🇿 сату

🇬🇪 გაყიდვა

🇦🇿 satmaq

🇲🇽 desinvertir

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,454, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
17451 loamy
17452 dermal
17453 pallet
17454 divest
17455 pursuers
17456 analgesia
17457 inordinate
...