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

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

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

"JD Vance has pledged he would do what Mike Pence wouldn’t - overturn an election and illegally seize power," Cheney, who lost her 2022 bid for reelection, posted on X. "He says the president can ignore the rulings of our courts. He would capitulate to Russia and sacrifice the freedom of our allies in Ukraine."

From Salon

“Contrary to his assertion, he has not established that the Special Counsel, appointed by and serving at the pleasure of President Biden and his Attorney General, is punishing the defendant ‘for the perceived sins of his father’ in order to capitulate to a former President because of his tweets,” Weiss’ team responded.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

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