relinquish
[ɹɪˈlɪŋkwɪʃ]
Group 16Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (verb)
- To voluntarily cease to keep or claim; to give up GRE
Example in Context
The dictator refused to relinquish power despite mounting international pressure and widespread domestic unrest.
Synonyms
let gosurrendergive up
Etymology
To leave something behind or give it up voluntarily.
- re- (Latin) — back
- linquere (Latin) — to leave
Memory Aid
🏴☠️Sounds like “re-linquishe”
Imagine a pirate reluctantly RELINQUISHING his treasure map to a parrot who squawks 'No more maps for you, matey!'
Visual Association
🪙A pirate tossing gold coins into the ocean, sighing dramatically as he waves goodbye to his treasure.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “relinquish” mean on the GRE?
relinquish (verb) means “To voluntarily cease to keep or claim; to give up”. The dictator refused to relinquish power despite mounting international pressure and widespread domestic unrest.
How to remember “relinquish” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “relinquish” sounds like “re-linquishe”. Imagine a pirate reluctantly RELINQUISHING his treasure map to a parrot who squawks 'No more maps for you, matey!'
What are synonyms for “relinquish”?
Common synonyms: let go, surrender, give up.