renounce
To formally give up, reject, or disown a claim, belief, or course of action
Examples
In a meeting
“The company decided to renounce its controversial marketing strategy.”
Over coffee
“I'm renouncing my New Year's resolution—it was too ambitious anyway.”
Why this word
abandon
renounce means formally declaring rejection of a claim, belief, or right, while abandon simply means leaving something behind
reject
renounce involves publicly or formally giving up something previously held, while reject means refusing to accept or consider
give up
renounce emphasizes formal, often irrevocable relinquishment of rights or beliefs, while give up is informal and general
Usage tip
Use when making a formal or public rejection of something previously held or claimed. Stronger than simply 'giving up'.
Etymology
Latin 'renuntiare' (re- 'back' + nuntiare 'announce')
Get a new word every morning
One precise word per day. Under 60 seconds to read. Free forever.
Related words
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
arbitrary
Based on random choice rather than reason or system