renounce

abdicate, renounce, resign mean to give up a position with no possibility of resuming it. abdicate implies a giving up of sovereign power or sometimes an evading of responsibility such as that of a parent.

• • abdicated the throne

renounce may replace it but often implies additionally a sacrifice for a greater end.

• • renounced her inheritance by marrying a commoner

resign applies to the giving up of an unexpired office or trust.

• • resigned from the board

abjure, renounce, forswear, recant, retract mean to withdraw one's word or professed belief. abjure implies a firm and final rejecting or abandoning often made under oath.

• • abjured the errors of his former faith

renounce may carry the meaning of disclaim or disown.

• • renounced abstract art and turned to portrait painting

forswear may add an implication of perjury or betrayal.

• • I cannot forswear my principles

recant stresses the withdrawing or denying of something professed or taught.

• • if they recant they will be spared

retract applies to the withdrawing of a promise, an offer, or an accusation.

• • the newspaper had to retract the story