renounce
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re·nounce

verb \ri-ˈnan(t)s\
re·nouncedre·nounc·ing

Definition of RENOUNCE

transitive verb
1
: to give up, refuse, or resign usually by formal declaration <renounce his errors>
2
: to refuse to follow, obey, or recognize any further : repudiate <renounce the authority of the church>
intransitive verb
1
: to make a renunciation
2
: to fail to follow suit in a card game
re·nounce·ment \-ˈnan(t)s-mənt\ noun
re·nounc·er noun

Examples of RENOUNCE

  1. Many of his former supporters have renounced him.
  2. He renounced his old way of life.

Origin of RENOUNCE

Middle English, from Anglo-French renuncer, from Latin renuntiare, from re- + nuntiare to report, from nuntius messenger
First Known Use: 14th century

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