"Renege" means to go back on a promise, agreement, or contract. It refers to failing to do what one said they would or breaking a commitment, often implying a withdrawal from a formal or informal obligation.

Definitions and Usage

• To renege is to fail to keep a promise or to deny a previously made commitment.
• It can apply to contracts, agreements, or verbal promises.
• In a legal or business context, reneging on a contract may lead to disputes or court cases unless there are acceptable reasons such as impossibility.
• In card games, to renege means to break the rules by not following the proper play.

Examples

• Someone who promised to help move but does not follow through is said to have reneged.
• A business or individual who fails to fulfill contract terms reneges on the agreement.
• People who renege on agreements may face negative consequences socially or legally.

In short, to renege is to break a commitment or fail to keep a promise.