verb · 7 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
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UK, US:/daɪˈvɛst/
UK, US:/dɪˈvɛst/
US:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
rhymes with -ɛst
CMU ARPABET:D AY0 V EH1 S T
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
CMU ARPABET 2:D IH0 V EH1 S T
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
verb
Meaning 1
To strip, deprive, or dispossess (someone) of something (such as a right, passion, privilege, or prejudice).
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: transitive
Examples
You shall never divest me of my right to free speech.
When I wake up, I make a point to divest myself of all my prejudices, ready to start the day.
The report divested the organization of its mystique.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: deprive, dispossess
Antonyms: none provided
2
verb
Meaning 2
To sell off or be rid of through sale, especially of a subsidiary.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: transitive
Topics: business, finance
Examples
In 2011, the company divested an 81% majority stake in its foreign subsidiary.
Glasgow will become the first university in Europe to divest from fossil fuels.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: sell off
Antonyms: invest
3
verb
Meaning 3
To undress.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: archaic, transitive
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: undress, disrobe
Antonyms: dress
4
verb
Meaning 4
remove (someone's or one's own) clothes
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
The nurse quickly undressed the accident victim
She divested herself of her outdoor clothes
He disinvested himself of his garments
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: strip, undress, disinvest
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: remove, take, take away, withdraw
5
verb
Meaning 5
reduce or dispose of; cease to hold (an investment)
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
The company decided to divest
the board of trustees divested $20 million in real estate property
There was pressure on the university to disinvest in South Africa
