capitulate

American  

[kuh-pich-uh-leyt] / kəˈpɪtʃ əˌleɪt /

verb (used without object)

capitulated, capitulating

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

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capitulate British  

/ kəˈpɪtjʊˌleɪt /

verb

1. (intr) to surrender, esp under agreed conditions

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Other Word Forms

• capitulant noun
• capitulator noun
• uncapitulated adjective
• uncapitulating adjective

Etymology

Origin of capitulate

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

Example Sentences

“Iran will be forced to capitulate at some point,” writes BCA Research Chief Strategist Marko Papic.

From Barron's • Mar. 16, 2026

In their previous meeting, Motherwell were 2-1 up only to capitulate thanks to a rare defensive lapse.

From BBC • Jan. 5, 2026

Some of Silverstein’s critics accused him of using frivolous lawsuits as a delaying tactic, forcing real estate developers to capitulate or risk huge financial losses.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 2, 2025

The discussions with officials from Qatar, Egypt and Turkey, the countries with which Hamas has the closest ties, show the challenge in implementing a plan that requires the group to capitulate.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 3, 2025

Sabata was opposed to the Bantu Authorities and would not capitulate, but my visitors were afraid that Matanzima would depose him, which is eventually what happened.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Related Words

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