Entry Word: renounce

Function: verb

Meaning: 1 to give up (as a position of authority) formally <in wake of the corruption scandal, the politician was forced to renounce his position in the senate> — see abdicate
2 to solemnly or formally reject or go back on (as something formerly adhered to) <after another failed romance he decided to renounce the world and become a monk> — see abjure