divest

[dɪˈvɛst]

divest Definition

  • 1to sell off business interests or investments
  • 2to deprive someone of power, rights, or possessions
  • 3to rid oneself of something that is no longer wanted or needed

Using divest: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "divest" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The company decided to divest its non-core businesses.

  • Example

    He divested himself of all his shares in the company.

  • Example

    The government was forced to divest the dictator of his power.

  • Example

    She divested herself of her coat and hat as soon as she entered the house.

divest Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for divest

Phrases with divest

  • to sell off or withdraw investments from companies involved in the production or use of fossil fuels

    Example

    Many universities and pension funds have divested from fossil fuels in recent years.

  • the sale or disposal of a company's assets or business units

    Example

    The divestiture of assets was necessary to raise funds for the company's restructuring.

  • to relinquish or give up responsibility for something

    Example

    He tried to divest himself of responsibility for the project's failure.

Origins of divest

from Old French 'devester', meaning 'strip of possessions'

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Summary: divest in Brief

The verb 'divest' [dɪˈvɛst] means to sell off business interests or investments, deprive someone of power, rights, or possessions, or rid oneself of something that is no longer wanted or needed. Examples include 'The company decided to divest its non-core businesses.' and 'She divested herself of her coat and hat as soon as she entered the house.' 'Divest' extends into phrases like 'divest from fossil fuels,' and 'divestiture of assets,' and can be formal ('dispose of') or informal ('get rid of').