diffidation

noun

dif·​fi·​da·​tion

ˌdifəˈdāshən

plural -s

archaic

: a renunciation of faith or allegiance : formal severing of peaceful relations

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin diffidation-, diffidatio, from diffidatus (past participle of diffidare to renounce one's vassalage, renounce friendship, from Latin dif- —from dis-—+ fides faith) + Latin -ion-, -io -ion

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