relinquish

Everyday

1. (formal) To give up something you have, such as power, control or a claim, often unwillingly: The king relinquished the throne. tree →
2. To let go of something you are holding. tree →

In the lessons

A formal, exam-voice word: «He relinquished his position as captain». Everyday speech says «give up» or «hand over». In stories, rulers relinquish power and characters relinquish their grip on a rope. Phrases: «relinquish control», «relinquish power», «relinquish one's grip».

Examples

• The old king relinquished his crown to his daughter. tree →
• She refused to relinquish the TV remote. tree →
• The captain relinquished control of the ship. tree →
• He relinquished his grip on the rope. tree →
• The team relinquished its lead in the last minute. tree →
• You must relinquish your seat to an older person if asked. tree →
• The hero succeeded in delivering Theseus, but when he endeavoured to liberate Pirithoeus, the earth shook so violently beneath him that he was compelled to relinquish his task. tree →

Note

Regular verb: relinquished. Formal; everyday words: give up, hand over, let go. Spelling: rel-IN-quish.