Definition

To take away someone's rights, property, or possessions; to rid oneself of something.

Example

The company decided to divest its non-core assets to focus on its main business.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I heard you decided to divest from that investment you had.

Yeah, it just wasn't performing well anymore.

That makes sense; sometimes it's good to divest and reinvest elsewhere.

Exactly! I'm looking into some new opportunities now.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Divest → It is formed from "di-" (meaning apart) and "vestire" (meaning to clothe or dress). The word means to take away or remove clothing or possessions, hence to strip away or divest oneself of something.

Memory Tip

Think of 'taking away' ('di-') what you 'wear' ('vestire') — that's why divest means to remove or get rid of something.

Visually Confused Words