Relinquish
/rɪˈlɪŋkwɪʃ/
Definitions
To give up something, such as a right, possession, or claim; to let go of something.
/rɪˈlɪŋkwɪʃ/
To voluntarily give up a right, claim, or possession.
The government was forced to relinquish control of the territory.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have a cool toy, but you decide to give it to a friend. Relinquish is like giving up something you have, like control over something or a right to something. For example, when your parents ask you to relinquish your phone at bedtime.
👶 For kids: To give something up, like when you give a toy to a friend.
More Examples
He had to relinquish his position as CEO due to the scandal.
She willingly relinquished her claim to the inheritance.
The company reluctantly relinquished its stake in the project.
How It's Used
"The company relinquished its rights to the patent."
"She relinquished her control of the project to her colleague."
"The king was forced to relinquish the throne."
Idioms & expressions
relinquish control
To give up authority or management.
"After years of micromanaging, the CEO finally relinquished control to his team."
relinquish a right
To formally surrender a legal or moral entitlement.
"The defendant chose to relinquish his right to remain silent."
From Old French *relinquir* or Latin *relinquere*, meaning 'to abandon, leave behind.'
The word has been used since the 16th century in legal, political, and personal contexts to describe giving up ownership or control.
Memory tip
Think of a king (relinquish) giving up his kingdom (possession) to his successor.
Word Origin
"to abandon, leave behind"