Entry Word: relinquish

Function: verb

Meaning: 1 to give (something) over to the control or possession of another usually under duress <the boy reluctantly relinquished the illegal fireworks to the police officer> — see surrender 1
2 to give up (as a position of authority) formally <the retiring CEO relinquished his position to the companyʼs vice president with very mixed feelings> — see abdicate