relinquish
UK: rɪˈlɪŋkwɪʃ | US: rɪˈlɪŋkwɪʃ
vt. to voluntarily give up or let go of something (e.g., a claim, possession, or right)
vt. to abandon or cease to hold (e.g., a habit or belief)
relinquish = re<back> + linqu<leave> + ish<verb suffix>
- re<back>: Latin prefix indicating reversal or withdrawal.
- linqu<leave>: From Latin linquere (to leave, forsake).
- ish<verb suffix>: A verbal suffix forming transitive verbs (often via Old French -ir or Latin -ire).
Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin relinquere (re- "back" + linquere "to leave"), the word entered Middle English via Old French relinquir. It originally implied physical abandonment (e.g., leaving a place) but evolved to abstract surrender (e.g., rights or habits). The -ish suffix reflects its adaptation into English as a verb.
The king was forced to relinquish his throne after the rebellion.
She relinquished her legal rights to the property.
He refused to relinquish control of the company.
The soldier relinquished his weapon upon surrender.
Over time, they relinquished their outdated traditions.