verb ab·di·cate \ˈab-di-ˌkāt\

Definition of abdicate




  1. intransitive verb
  2. :  to renounce a throne, high office, dignity, or function The king was forced to abdicate.

  3. transitive verb
  4. 1 :  to relinquish (something, such as sovereign power) formally abdicate a throne

  5. 2 :  to cast off :  discard abdicate a responsibility


play \-kə-bəl\ adjective


play \ˌab-di-ˈkā-shən\ noun


play \ˈab-di-ˌkā-tər\ noun

Should you abdicate, abrogate, abjure, or just resign?






Did You Know?

Give it up. English includes many words for the process of throwing in the towel, especially for relinquishing a job or elected office. Abdicate, a derivative of the prefix ab- (meaning "from," "away," or "off") and the Latin verb dicare (meaning to "proclaim"), has been used primarily for those who give up sovereign power or who evade a very serious responsibility (such as parental responsibility). Renounce is often used as a synonym of abdicate, but it adds to that term the suggestion that an individual is giving up something as a sacrifice to achieve a far greater end. Resign is another option when you are describing a more matter-of-fact departure from a job, office, or trust.

Origin and Etymology of abdicate

Latin abdicatus, past participle of abdicare, from ab- + dicare to proclaim — more at diction

First Known Use: 1548

Synonym Discussion of abdicate

abdicate, renounce, resign mean to give up a position with no possibility of resuming it. abdicate implies a giving up of sovereign power or sometimes an evading of responsibility such as that of a parent abdicated the throne. renounce may replace it but often implies additionally a sacrifice for a greater end renounced her inheritance by marrying a commoner. resign applies to the giving up of an unexpired office or trust resigned from the board.

ABDICATE Defined for Kids


verb ab·di·cate \ˈab-di-ˌkāt\

Definition of abdicate for Students




  1. :  to give up a position of power or authority The ruler was forced to abdicate.


\ˌab-di-ˈkā-shən\ noun

Seen and Heard

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