Added 5 October 2026
divest
/daɪˈvɛst/ verb
verb Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about divest at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
-
To strip, deprive, or dispossess (someone) of something (such as a right, passion, privilege, or prejudice).
You shall never divest me of my right to free speech.
-
To sell off or be rid of through sale, especially of a subsidiary.
In 2011, the company divested an 81% majority stake in its foreign subsidiary.
- To undress.
Origin
Alteration of devest, from Middle French devester (“strip of possessions”), from Old French desvestir, from des- (“dis-”) + vestir (“to clothe”).
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)