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renounce

Syllabification: (re·nounce)
Pronunciation: /riˈnouns/
Translate renounce | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish
Definition of renounce

verb

[with object]
  • formally declare one’s abandonment of (a claim, right, or possession):Isabella offered to renounce her son’s claim to the French crown
  • refuse to recognize or abide by any longer:these agreements were renounced after the fall of the czarist regime
  • declare that one will no longer engage in or support:they renounced the armed struggle
  • reject and stop using or consuming:he renounced drugs and alcohol completely
  • [no object] Law refuse or resign a right or position, especially one as an heir or trustee:there will be forms enabling the allottee to renounce

Phrases

renounce the world

completely withdraw from society or material affairs in order to lead a life considered to be more spiritually fulfilling.

Derivatives

renounceable

adjective

renouncement

noun

renouncer

noun

Origin:

late Middle English: from Old French renoncer, from Latin renuntiare 'protest against', from re- (expressing reversal) + nuntiare 'announce'

renounce in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of renounce in the British & World English dictionary
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