Re*lin"quish (-kw?sh), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Relinquished (-kw?sht); p. pr. & vb. n. Relinquishing.] [OF. relinquir, L. relinquere to leave behind; pref. re- re + linquere to leave. See Loan, and cf. Relic, Relict.]

1. To withdraw from; to leave behind; to desist from; to abandon; to quit; as, to relinquish a pursuit.

We ought to relinquish such rites.

They placed Irish tenants upon the lands relinquished by the English.

2. To give up; to renounce a claim to; resign; as, to relinquish a debt.

Syn. -- To resign; leave; quit; forsake; abandon; desert; renounce; forb&?;ar; forego. See Resign.

• to give up, abandon or retire from something
  
• to stop doing something; or not to start on an intended action
  
• to let go, either physically (release) or metaphorically (surrender)