What does renegade mean?
A renegade is someone who abandons a group, organization, country, or cause and often joins or assists its opponents. The word is chiefly political and strongly disparaging: it suggests not merely disagreement with former colleagues but disloyalty or betrayal. It is often used in headlines and public accusations, as in “former ally turned renegade,” although the metaphor can also be applied more lightly to people who switch allegiances unexpectedly. Related terms emphasize different aspects of the idea: a “defector” has changed sides, a “deserter” has left a duty or armed force, and a “traitor” is generally characterized as betraying trust. The historical sense of an apostate or one who renounces a religious faith is also possible, though less common in modern everyday use.
A person who betrays or deserts a group, organization, country, or cause and aligns with its opponents.
"The commander feared that loyal officers might be mistaken for renegades."
Usually derogatory and stronger than the neutral “defector,” since it implies betrayal or disloyalty.
To desert or betray a cause or allegiance and support its opponents.
"He refused to renounce the organization and chose not to renegade."
Now archaic or very rare; the historical religious sense of becoming an apostate is also attested.
The standard plural of the noun.
"The government branded the defectors as renegades."
From an Arabic word for “denier,” the English “renegade” began as a label for an apostate before becoming a general accusation of betrayal.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does renegade come from?
The word entered English through French renégat, borrowed from Spanish renegado, which in turn came from Arabic renegado, meaning “one who denies again.” Its ultimate Latin source is renegare, formed from re- “again” and negare “to deny,” and it originally referred to someone who renounced a faith. The modern sense of a political deserter or betrayer developed from that earlier religious meaning.
Related word forms
How renegade is actually used
Generally hostile and political, although it may occasionally be used jokingly or metaphorically. The choice between “traitor,” “defector,” and “renegade” depends on whether the focus is betrayal, changing sides, or abandoning a cause.
Easily confused with renegade
A refugee is someone who flees persecution or danger, whereas a renegade is someone who abandons a group and may assist its opponents.
Renegotiation is the act of revising an agreement, whereas a renegade is a person who betrays an organization or allegiance.