capitulate

[ kuh-pich-uh-leyt ]

verb (used without object)

, ca·pit·u·lat·ed, ca·pit·u·lat·ing.

1. to surrender unconditionally or on stipulated terms:

   When he saw the extent of the forces arrayed against him, the king capitulated, and signed their list of demands.

2. to give up resistance:

   He finally capitulated and agreed to do the job my way.

   Synonyms: accede, acquiesce, yield

capitulate

/ kəˈpɪtjʊˌleɪt /

verb

1. intr to surrender, esp under agreed conditions

Derived Forms

• caˈpituˌlator, noun

Other Words From

• ca·pit·u·lant noun
• ca·pit·u·la·tor noun
• un·ca·pit·u·lat·ed adjective
• un·ca·pit·u·lat·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of capitulate¹

First recorded in 1570–80; from Medieval Latin capitulātus (past participle of capitulāre “to draw up in sections”), equivalent to capitul(um) “section,” literally, “small head” + -ātus ; capitulum, chapter ( def ), -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of capitulate¹

C16 (meaning: to arrange under heads, draw up in order; hence, to make terms of surrender): from Medieval Latin capitulare to draw up under heads, from capitulum chapter

Example Sentences

At a time when capitulating to the mainstream was regarded as selling out, R.E.M.’s move to a major label stung, as if the band had sloughed off its loyalists for the teeming masses.

From Los Angeles Times

“Mexico,” he said, “will have to try to capitulate.”

From Los Angeles Times

Alex and the band capitulated, with the proviso that the video would be free of gimmickry.

From Los Angeles Times

“It is well within our power to destroy our civilization and our species as well, if we capitulate to superstition or greed or stupidity,” Carl Sagan once warned us.

From Salon

Martin was particularly angered by the way his team appeared to capitulate after Evanilson scored the opening goal for the hosts, who then added two more before the interval.

From BBC

Related Words

• bow
• cave in
• cede
• concede
• defer
• relent
• succumb
• surrender