Renunciation

noun

/rɪˌnʌnsiˈeɪʃən/

The formal act of voluntarily giving up or relinquishing a right, claim, or privilege — in the citizenship context, a citizen's voluntary declaration giving up Indian citizenship, which upon registration by the prescribed authority results in the loss of citizenship for that person and their minor children.

✍️ Usage in a UPSC answer

Mahatma Gandhi's politics drew their moral force from renunciation: by relinquishing personal wealth and comfort, he transformed self-denial into an instrument of public legitimacy that no display of state power could match.

Synonyms

relinquishmentabdicationrepudiationabandonmentsurrenderforsaking

Antonyms

acceptanceretentionembraceassertion

🌱 Word Family

renounce (v), renounced (adj), renouncer (n), renunciatory (adj), renunciant (n)

🔡 Root

Latin renūntiāre = to bring back word, revoke; re- = back + nūntiāre = to announce, from nūntius = messenger

📜 Etymology

From Latin renūntiātiō, from renūntiāre ("to bring back word, report, revoke"), from re- ("back") + nūntiāre ("to announce"), from nūntius ("messenger").

🧠 Memory Hook

Re- (back) + nuntiare (to announce, as in "announce/nuncio") — to "announce back" that you are giving something up; think of a renouncing monarch publicly declaring abdication.

📝 Seen in UPSC Question Papers

Prelims 2022 — Art & Culture

Real UPSC previous-year questions whose text uses “Renunciation” — proof this word earns its place on your list.

⚖️ Polity & Constitution 📖 Seen in: Fundamental Duties & Citizenship — Art...

Tip: press Alt+S to hear pronunciation