Renouncing: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when formally declaring you give up a position, belief, or claim.

• He is renouncing his citizenship to move to a new country.
• They issued a statement renouncing violence.

Use when giving up control or possession voluntarily but often reluctantly.

• He had to relinquish control of the company due to illness.
• She did not want to relinquish her hold on the trophy.

Use when giving up in a situation of defeat, often under pressure or demand.

• The enemy forces had to surrender after a long battle.
• She decided to surrender to the police.

Use when leaving something behind completely, often with a sense of irresponsibility or finality.

• She had to abandon the project due to lack of funds.
• They abandoned the car when it broke down.

Used when formally giving up a title, claim, or belief, often in a public or official manner.

• He is renouncing his citizenship to move to another country.
• After the scandal, she renounced her position in the company.

Used when refusing to accept, agree with, or believe something or someone. It can be used in various informal or formal contexts.

• They rejected the proposal as it did not meet their requirements.
• She was rejected for the job despite her qualifications.

Used when formally rejecting or cutting ties with a person, often a family member, indicating a total severance of relationship.

• After learning about her son's criminal activities, she decided to disown him.
• He was disowned by his family for marrying against their wishes.

Used when denying responsibility or support for someone or something, often to distance oneself from it. It can carry a negative connotation.

• The politician disavowed any involvement in the corruption scandal.
• The company quickly disavowed the employee's controversial statements.