renier

The French verb "renier" means to deny, reject, or disown someone or something, especially in a strong or formal sense. It generally implies a refusal to acknowledge or accept a relationship, belief, or origin.

Main meanings:

1. To disown or repudiate a person — for example, a parent renouncing their child, or someone publicly cutting ties with family or friends.

2. To deny a statement, belief, or prior action — when someone rejects or says they no longer support an idea, claim, or previous statement.

Examples:

• Il a renié son passé politique.
  (He disowned/renounced his political past.)
• Elle a renié son fils.
  (She disowned her son.)

Synonyms and differences:

• Refuser: Means "to refuse," but without the strong sense of cutting ties or disowning; it is more general.
• Nier: Means "to deny" as in refusing the truth or existence of something; less about rejecting relationships.
• Rejeter: Means "to reject" but is broader, can be used for ideas, objects, people, or feelings; "renier" is more about rejecting in a deeper, often social or emotional sense.
• Abandonner: Means "to abandon," implying physically leaving or giving up, rather than denying or disowning.

Summary:

"Renier" is a strong word used to express a firm rejection or denial, especially regarding close relations or core beliefs, and is often more emotional or formal than its synonyms.