v.
Pronunciation: ri- ' li ŋ -kwish, - ' lin-
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 relinquish ed his grip on the bar> b : to give over possession or control of : YIELD <few leaders willingly relinquish power>
– re · lin · quish · ment \ -m ə nt \ 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>.