divest

[ dih-vest, dahy- ]
/ dɪˈvɛst, daɪ- /

verb (used with object)

to strip of clothing, ornament, etc.: The wind divested the trees of their leaves.
to strip or deprive (someone or something), especially of property or rights; dispossess.
to rid of or free from: He divested himself of all responsibility for the decision.
Law. to take away or alienate (property, rights, etc.).
Commerce.
  1. to sell off: to divest holdings.
  2. to rid of through sale: The corporation divested itself of its subsidiaries.

Origin of divest

1595–1605; < Medieval Latin dīvestīre, equivalent to dī- di-2 + vestīre to dress, vest

OTHER WORDS FROM divest

un·di·vest·ed, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for divest

British Dictionary definitions for divest

divest
/ (daɪˈvɛst) /

verb (tr usually foll by of)

to strip (of clothes) to divest oneself of one's coat
to deprive or dispossess
property law to take away an estate or interest in property vested (in a person)

Derived forms of divest

divestible, adjective divestiture (daɪˈvɛstɪtʃə), divesture (daɪˈvɛstʃə) or divestment, noun

Word Origin for divest

C17: changed from earlier devest