verb
renounce
rih-NOWNS
verb
1
To formally give up a right, title, or claim.
"The prince renounced his claim to the throne."
2
To publicly reject or disown a belief, habit, or association.
"She renounced her old political party after the scandal."
How to Use Renounce
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo formally give up or publicly reject something.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "denounce" (to publicly criticise someone or something) — renounce is about giving up your own claim or belief.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
renounce a claim
renounce citizenship
renounce violence
Word Forms
renounced past tense, renounces plural, renounces singular
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “renounce”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The prince _____ his claim to the throne.
Etymology
From Old French renoncier, from Latin renuntio, "to protest against, refuse."