What is the meaning of the term 'renounce'?

The term 'renounce' means to formally declare one's abandonment of a claim, right, or belief. In this context, it refers specifically to the act of publicly expressing disbelief or rejecting something that one previously accepted. This can often apply to formal situations, such as renouncing citizenship, where an individual publicly states that they no longer identify with a particular country or its associated rights and privileges.

The choice involving public expression of disbelief aligns with the essence of renouncing, as it conveys a strong intention to dissociate from a prior commitment or belief. Understanding this term is crucial for the N-400 application, as it may relate to situations where an applicant is asked to renounce ties or allegiances to foreign governments when pursuing U.S. citizenship.

The other options do not capture the essence of 'renounce': accepting formally suggests affirmation rather than rejection, supporting openly implies endorsement rather than cancellation, and arguing against focuses on debate rather than a formal renunciation or abandonment of a belief.