Divest Meaning and Definition
Divest
Pronunciation
/dɪˈvɛst/
Part of Speech
Verb
Definition
To give up or sell something, especially land, property, or a company, in order to reduce one’s financial or business risks or to raise capital.
Etymology
The word “Divest” has its roots in the Latin word “divestire,” meaning “to strip off,” and has been used in the English language since the 14th century.
Usage Notes
Divest is often used in a business or financial context to describe the act of selling or giving up a part of a company or asset in order to raise capital or reduce debt.
Cultural References
The term “Divest” has been referenced in popular culture, such as in the TV show “Suits” where the main character deals with the concept of divesting from a company.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Common idioms or phrases that include the word “Divest” include “to divest oneself of” or “to divest from.”
Related Words or Phrases
- vest
- invest
- dismantle
Collocations
- to divest oneself of
- to divest from
- to divest and re-invest
Frequency of Use
The word “Divest” is relatively infrequently used in everyday language, but is commonly found in business and financial contexts.
Common Misspellings
- Devest
- Difvest