First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
renounce
verb re·nounce \ri-ˈnau̇n(t)s\
: to say especially in a formal or official way that you will no longer have or accept (something) : to formally give up (something)
: to say in a formal or definite way that you refuse to follow, obey, or support (someone or something) any longer
re·nouncedre·nounc·ing
Full Definition of RENOUNCE
transitive verb
1
: to give up, refuse, or resign usually by formal declaration <renounce his errors>
2
: to refuse to follow, obey, or recognize any further : repudiate <renounce the authority of the church>
intransitive verb
1
: to make a renunciation
2
: to fail to follow suit in a card game
— re·nounce·ment \-ˈnau̇n(t)s-mənt\ noun
— re·nounc·er noun
See renounce defined for English-language learners
See renounce defined for kids
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Origin of RENOUNCE
Middle English, from Anglo-French renuncer, from Latin renuntiare, from re- + nuntiare to report, from nuntius messenger
Related to RENOUNCE
- Synonyms
- abnegate, cede, relinquish, abdicate, resign, step aside (from), step down (from), surrender
- Antonyms
- adhere (to)
Synonym Discussion of 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 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>.
abjure, renounce, forswear, recant, retract mean to withdraw one's word or professed belief. abjure implies a firm 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>.
RENOUNCE Defined for Kids
renounce
verb re·nounce \ri-ˈnau̇ns\
re·nouncedre·nounc·ing
Definition of RENOUNCE for Kids
1
: to give up, abandon, or resign usually by a public declaration <The queen renounced the throne.>
2
: to refuse to follow, obey, or recognize any longer <They renounced the goals of the organization.>
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