renegade
REN-uh-gayd
/ˈrɛnɪɡeɪd/
A person who deserts and betrays an organization, country, or set of principles.
Renegade often carries a sense of being an outlaw or a rebel, sometimes even with a slightly 'cool' or rugged connotation in modern pop culture.
The story behind the word. From the Spanish 'renegado', which originally referred to a Christian who had converted to Islam (thereby 'denying' their faith). It comes from the Latin 'renegare', meaning 'to deny again'.
Word relationships
- apostate: Apostate is specifically for religious/political beliefs; renegade is more for organizations or groups.
- loyalist: A loyalist stays true to the group that the renegade abandons.
Commonly confused with
- defector: A defector joins the other side; a renegade might just go off on their own as an outlaw.
Collocations
- renegade priest
- renegade state
- go renegade
Example sentences
- "The renegade officer refused to follow the ceasefire and continued his private war against the rebels." Describing a rogue agent.
Memory hook
A renegade is someone who 'Reneges' (goes back) on their 'Aid' or promise. The lone wolf who left the pack.
When not to use
In strictly legal contexts, 'traitor' or 'defector' is more precise.
Fun facts
- In the 17th century, 'renegade' was specifically used for pirates who had deserted their national navies.
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