Relinquished: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word when someone gives up a position, right, or claim voluntarily, often with a sense of finality.

• He relinquished his right to the throne

This word is used in situations involving conflict or competition, where someone gives up to an opponent or accepts defeat.

• The general had no choice but to surrender to the enemy forces

This term is used in formal contexts, usually relating to the transfer of control or land to another party, often as a result of an agreement or treaty.

• The country was forced to cede territory after the war

This word is used when someone leaves something or someone behind, often in a negative or irresponsible manner.

• She abandoned her car on the side of the road

Primarily used when someone gives way or submits to pressure, force, or authority, often in a less formal or less permanent way compared to 'surrender'.

• Drivers must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks

Formally giving up control or possession of something, often reluctantly.

• She reluctantly relinquished her position as CEO after the merger

Allowing something to move or be free. This can refer to physical release or the act of publishing something.

• The zoo released the rehabilitated animals back into the wild
• The company will release the new software update next month

Releasing physical or emotional control over something or someone. It often implies a personal decision to move on.

• It’s time to let go of past grievances
• He let go of the rope and fell into the water

Giving up or yielding to a stronger force or authority, often in the context of defeat or submission.

• The soldiers were forced to surrender after being surrounded
• He surrendered all hope of finding a solution to the problem

Leaving something behind completely, often in a permanent and sometimes irresponsible manner.

• He had to abandon his car in the floodwaters
• They abandoned the project because it was no longer feasible