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Definition of relinquish

relinquish

/ɹɪˈlɪŋ.kwɪʃ/
re · lin · quish
Adjective:relinquishable
•
Past Simple:relinquished
•
Past Participle:relinquished
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Present Participle:relinquishing
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relinquish Lexical Profile

relinquish Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To voluntarily cease to keep or claim; to give up a right, position, possession, or control.

Example

"After decades of leadership, the founder decided to relinquish control of the company to her successor."

2

To release one's physical grip or hold on something.

Example

"The toddler refused to relinquish his grip on the stuffed bear even while falling asleep."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for relinquish

• Rhymes for relinquish

• Nearby Words

religiousness
reline
relink
relinquish
relinquishment
relish
relist

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 15th century from Old French relinquir, from Latin relinquere ('to leave behind, forsake, or abandon'), formed from the prefix re- ('back') and linquere ('to leave'), which is also the root of 'delinquent' and 'relic'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Relinquish. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/relinquish
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