What does it mean to "renege" on a commitment?

To "renege" on a commitment means to fail to honor that commitment or agreement. This term has its roots in the world of card games, where it originally described a player failing to follow the rules, particularly failing to play a card of the same suit when able to do so. When applied more broadly, it reflects a situation where someone does not uphold their obligations or promises. In this context, if someone reneges on a commitment, they are not just delaying or modifying terms; instead, they are outright not fulfilling the promise they made. This understanding of the term underscores the importance of accountability and integrity in agreements, highlighting that making a commitment involves an expectation of follow-through.