/di vest", duy-/ , v.t.
1. to strip of clothing, ornament, etc.: The wind divested the trees of their leaves.
2. to strip or deprive (someone or something), esp. of property or rights; dispossess.
3. to rid of or free from: He divested himself of all responsibility for the decision.
4. Law. to take away or alienate (property, rights, etc.).
5. Com.
a. to sell off: to divest holdings.
b. to rid of through sale: The corporation divested itself of its subsidiaries.
[ 1595-1605; divestire, equiv. to di- DI- 2 + vestire to dress, VEST ]
Syn. 1. unclothe, denude. 2. See strip 1 .