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Derelict Has Latin Roots
The Latin verb relinquere, meaning "to leave behind," left behind a few English derivatives, including derelict. Something derelict has been left behind, or at least appears that way. In another sense, someone who is derelict leaves behind or neglects their duties or obligations. Another descendant of relinquere is relinquish, meaning "to leave behind," "to give up," or "to release." Relic is another example of a word that ultimately comes from relinquere. Relics, in the original sense of the term, referred to things treasured for their association with a saint or martyr—that is, objects saints and martyrs had left behind. Relinquere also gives English its name for the containers or shrines which hold relics, reliquary.
Synonyms
Examples of derelict in a Sentence
Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 13 May 2024
Scores of survivors remain homeless, and have moved into similarly derelict buildings around the city.
—Lynsey Chutel, New York Times, 6 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for derelict 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'derelict.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Derelict.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/derelict. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
derelict
1 of 2 adjective
derelict
2 of 2 noun
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