Main Entry: re·lin·quish

Pronunciation: \ri-ˈliŋ-kwish, -ˈlin-\

Function: transitive verb

Etymology: Middle English relinquisshen, from Anglo-French relinquiss-, stem of relinquir, from Latin relinquere to leave behind, from re- + linquere to leave — more at loan

Date: 15th century

1 : to withdraw or retreat from : leave behind
2 : give up <relinquish a title>
3 a : to stop holding physically : release <slowly relinquished his grip on the bar> b : to give over possession or control of : yield <few leaders willingly relinquish power>

— re·lin·quish·ment \-mənt\ noun

synonyms relinquish, yield, resign, surrender, abandon, waive mean to give up completely. relinquish usually does not imply strong feeling but may suggest some regret, reluctance, or weakness <relinquished her crown>. yield implies concession or compliance or submission to force <the troops yielded ground grudgingly>. resign emphasizes voluntary relinquishment or sacrifice without struggle <resigned her position>. surrender implies a giving up after a struggle to retain or resist <surrendered their claims>. abandon stresses finality and completeness in giving up <abandoned all hope>. waive implies conceding or forgoing with little or no compulsion <waived the right to a trial by jury>.