relinquish
Voluntarily give up control or possession of something
Examples
In a meeting
“I'll relinquish control of this project once the new manager starts.”
Over coffee
“He's finally ready to relinquish his spot on the couch and help with dinner.”
Why this word
give up
Relinquish implies formally or reluctantly surrendering something possessed, while give up is more casual
surrender
Relinquish suggests voluntary release of something held, while surrender often implies force or defeat
abandon
Relinquish focuses on the act of letting go, while abandon emphasizes leaving behind completely
Usage tip
Use when someone is actively choosing to surrender something they currently hold, especially power or responsibility
Etymology
Latin: re- (back) + linquere (to leave)
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Related words
delegate
To assign a task or responsibility to someone else.
evaluate
To assess or judge the value, quality, or significance of something.
discern
To perceive or recognize a subtle difference or hidden truth.
defer
To postpone something to a later time, or to yield to someone else's judgment.
authorize
To give official permission or approval for something
reconsider
Think about a decision or opinion again with the possibility of changing it