divest
Say it: dy-VEST /daɪˈvɛst/ · verb
What “divest” means
Sell a business or investment you own.
More precisely: To sell off a business, investment or asset.
Example: “The group divested its hotel chain to focus on airlines.”
When to use it
In formal business discussions, when a company or investor sells something they own to reduce or change their holdings.
Similar words
sell off, offload, dispose of
Where it comes from
Originally "to undress," ultimately from Latin vestire, "to clothe."
Quick check
A company decides to sell its restaurant business so it can concentrate on making furniture. What will it do?
divest or diversify?
Show the answer
divest
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