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Relinquish: meaning, definitions and examples

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relinquish

 

[rɪˈlɪŋkwɪʃ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in a legal context

To relinquish means to voluntarily give up or release something, especially a right, claim, or possession. It implies a deliberate decision to let go of something and no longer assert control over it.

Synonyms

cede, renounce, surrender, yield.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
relinquish

This word is used when someone gives up something, often unwillingly or because they must. It is often used in formal contexts.

  • She had to relinquish control of the company due to her health issues.
  • He decided to relinquish his role as manager.
surrender

This is used in contexts involving giving up or yielding usually under pressure or force, such as in a battle or conflict. It often has a negative connotation implying defeat.

  • The enemy was forced to surrender after a prolonged siege.
  • She had to surrender her passport to the authorities.
cede

This term is mainly used in formal or legal contexts when transferring rights or territory to another entity. It has a neutral to slightly negative tone, depending on circumstances.

  • The country agreed to cede the disputed territory as part of the peace treaty.
  • He will cede his position as chairman to the new appointee.
yield

Typically used when giving way to someone or something else. It is formal but common in both physical and metaphorical situations. It has a generally neutral tone.

  • You must yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.
  • He yielded to her request to take a break.
renounce

Used when someone formally declares abandonment of a belief, claim, or position. It often carries connotations of strong or public rejection.

  • She decided to renounce her claim to the throne.
  • He renounced his membership in the controversial organization.

Examples of usage

  • The landowner decided to relinquish his rights to the property in order to settle the dispute.
  • She was forced to relinquish custody of her children after the court ruling.
  • After much debate, he finally agreed to relinquish his position as CEO.
Context #2 | Verb

in a personal context

To relinquish can also mean to let go of something emotionally or mentally, such as a belief, desire, or attachment. It involves freeing oneself from a particular mindset or attitude.

Synonyms

abandon, forgo, let go, release.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
relinquish

Use this when you need to give up something willingly, often involving a sense of loss or sacrifice.

  • She had to relinquish her dream of becoming a ballet dancer due to her injury.
  • He relinquished control of the company to his daughter.
release

Appropriate for formal situations when you free someone or something from confinement or obligation.

  • The company released a statement addressing the concerns.
  • They released the bird back into the wild after nursing it back to health.
let go

Commonly used in more casual or emotional contexts, meaning to release or stop holding on to something both physically and emotionally.

  • She had to let go of her past to move forward in life.
  • He finally let go of the rope when he felt it was safe.
abandon

This is used when you leave something behind without any intention to return, often in a careless or irresponsible manner.

  • They abandoned the old building when it became dangerous.
  • She felt abandoned when her friends didn't show up at the party.
forgo

This word is suitable when you decide not to take part in something or to give up on something attractive or enjoyable.

  • He decided to forgo dessert to stick to his diet.
  • They chose to forgo the extra vacation days to finish the project.

Examples of usage

  • She had to relinquish her anger towards him in order to move on.
  • He decided to relinquish his dreams of becoming a musician and pursue a more stable career instead.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'relinquere,' meaning 'to leave behind' or 'to give up.'
  • In Old French, 'relinquiss-' means to abandon or leave, showing its historical ties to letting go.
  • The word has been in English usage since the late 14th century, mostly in legal contexts.

Psychology

  • Relinquishing control can often lead to improved mental health, reducing anxiety and stress.
  • The process of letting go is vital for personal growth and can help people move past traumatic experiences.
  • Studies suggest that people who can relinquish negative thoughts tend to have better emotional resilience.

Literature

  • In literature, relinquishing often symbolizes a character’s growth or acceptance of change.
  • Famous authors, like Shakespeare, used the theme of relinquishing relationships or power to illustrate conflict.
  • Relinquishing is a common motif in coming-of-age stories, where characters learn to let go of childhood.

Cultural Practices

  • Many cultures have rituals that involve relinquishing items during significant life events, such as weddings or funerals.
  • In some Eastern philosophies, the act of relinquishing attachments is seen as essential for achieving inner peace.
  • Rituals of relinquishing can often be therapeutic, helping individuals find closure.

Business & Leadership

  • In leadership, relinquishing control can empower team members and promote a collaborative environment.
  • Successful leaders recognize the importance of relinquishing tasks to encourage employee growth.
  • Companies often adopt a relinquishing approach during transitions, allowing smoother changes and innovations.

Translations

Translations of the word "relinquish" in other languages:

🇵🇹 renunciar

🇮🇳 त्यागना (tyaagna)

🇩🇪 aufgeben

🇮🇩 melepaskan

🇺🇦 відмовитися

🇵🇱 zrezygnować

🇯🇵 放棄する (ほうきする, hōki suru)

🇫🇷 renoncer

🇪🇸 renunciar

🇹🇷 vazgeçmek

🇰🇷 포기하다 (pogihada)

🇸🇦 يتنازل (yatanzal)

🇨🇿 vzdát se

🇸🇰 vzdať sa

🇨🇳 放弃 (fàngqì)

🇸🇮 odpovedati se

🇮🇸 afhenda

🇰🇿 бас тарту

🇬🇪 დათმობა (datmoba)

🇦🇿 imtina etmək

🇲🇽 renunciar

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,847, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.