divest

views updated May 18 2018

di·vest / diˈvest; dī-/ • v. [tr.] deprive (someone) of power, rights, or possessions: men are unlikely to be divested of power without a struggle. ∎  deprive (something) of a particular quality: he has divested the original play of its charm. ∎  [intr.] rid oneself of something that one no longer wants or requires, such as a business interest or investment: it appears easier to carry on in the business than to divest | the government's policy of divesting itself of state holdings. ∎ dated or humorous relieve (someone) of something being worn or carried: she divested him of his coat.

divest

views updated May 17 2018

divest XVII. refash. on L. models in DI- 1 of earlier devest (XVI) — OF. devestir, des- (mod. dévêtir) — Rom. *disvestīre; see DIS- 2, VEST 2.

Divest

views updated Jun 11 2018

DIVEST

To deprive or take away.

Divest is usually used in reference to the relinquishment of authority, power, property, or title. If, for example, an individual is disinherited, he or she is divested of the right to inherit money. Similarly, an individual may be divested of his or her citizenship for treason.

Divest is also spelled devest.

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