avsäger

Avsäga is a Swedish verb meaning to renounce, disavow, or withdraw from a claim, right, obligation, or commitment. It is used when someone no longer accepts a position or responsibility or when a person or organization disclaims ownership of a task. The construction avsäga sig is common, with the thing renounced following sig, for example: hon avsäger sig uppdraget (she renounces the assignment) or företaget avsäger sig ansvaret (the company renounces the responsibility). The action can be undertaken by individuals, organizations, or public bodies in legal, political, and administrative contexts.

Etymology and grammar: The verb is formed from säga (to say) with the prefix av- indicating reversal or negation, and the reflexive pronoun sig indicating that the renunciation concerns the subject’s own rights or duties. The infinitive is avsäga sig, and the form used in present tense agreements is avsäger, often appearing as avsäger sig in sentences.

Noun form and related terms: The related noun is avsägelse, which denotes the act of renunciation. Plural: avsägelser. This noun is used to refer to formal renunciations, such as a public official’s avsägelse from a post or a company’s avsägelse of a responsibility.

Usage notes: Avsäga sig is typically found in formal or semi-formal writing and speech, including legal, governmental, and organizational discourse. It is distinct from broader terms like avstå (to abstain or relinquish in a more general sense) and forneka (to deny), as avsäga sig focuses on renouncing ownership, rights, or duties rather than merely refraining or denying.