renounce
UK: rɪˈnaʊns | US: rɪˈnaʊns
vt. to formally declare abandonment of a claim, right, or possession
vt. to reject or disown (a belief, cause, or person)
vi. (in card games) to fail to follow suit despite holding a card of that suit
The word traces back to Latin renuntiare ("to proclaim against, revoke"), combining re- (expressing opposition) and nuntiare (to announce). It entered Middle English via Old French renoncer, originally legal/formal contexts (e.g., rejecting inheritance). The core logic is "speaking back" to withdraw allegiance or rights.
The prince renounced his claim to the throne.
She renounced violence after years of activism.
He renounced his citizenship to avoid taxes.
In bridge, you must renounce if you lack the suit.
The treaty forced them to renounce all territorial claims.