renege
Definitions
To go back on a promise, deal, or commitment; to fail to keep one's word.
食言，违约，违背承诺
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedre- (back, again) + negāre (deny) = 'to deny again,' to take back your yes. When you renege, you had agreed to something and then refuse to honor it — you say 'no' to a 'yes' you already gave. Almost always used with 'on': renege on a deal, renege on a promise.
Root neg still carries 7 more wordsUsage Guide
- Almost always takes 'on': renege on a promise / a deal / an agreement. You don't 'renege something,' you 'renege on something.'
- Register: fairly formal; common in business, politics, and contracts. In casual speech people say 'go back on' or 'break a promise.'
- Pronunciation: /rɪˈniːɡ/ or /rɪˈneɪɡ/ — stress on the second syllable, hard g.
Example Sentences
- 1.
The company reneged on its promise to raise wages.
- 2.
You can't renege on a deal once both sides have signed.
- 3.
He reneged on the agreement at the last minute.