'relinquisher' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'relinquere', where 're-' meant 'back' or 'again' and 'linquere' meant 'to leave'.

'relinquisher' changed from Old French and Middle English forms related to 'relinquere' (Old French variants such as 'relengier', Middle English 'relinquish') and eventually became the modern English noun 'relinquisher'.

Initially, it meant 'to leave behind' or 'to abandon', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to give up or surrender (possession, claim, or control)'. As a noun, 'relinquisher' denotes 'one who gives up'.