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

To get the gavels and move things along, Democrats may have to give up much of their power and capitulate to McConnell’s request on the filibuster.

From Time

“There are not 13 votes for this pile of crap Mnuchin is capitulating on,” said a third Senate GOP aide familiar with the discussions.

From Washington Post

Even the liberal Chief Justice Centlivres capitulated, siding with the government’s appointees.

From Ozy

SDG&E, Berkshire Hathaway and other prospective bidders pressured the mayor to remove the clause, and he capitulated.

From Voice of San Diego

These big cuts were coming and everyone in Sacramento capitulated.

From Voice of San Diego

Much like Jamie, he acknowledges—but will not capitulate to—the circumscribed world they create.

From The Daily Beast

But instead of fighting the trend, too many of us simply capitulate—lazy, credulous fools that we are.

From The Daily Beast

He knew his best friend, Chief Taylor, would stand by him and that Stilts would have to capitulate.

From The Daily Beast

Nor is the stubborn, shrewd prime minsiter known to capitulate easily, or to misread public sentiment.

From The Daily Beast

As he is walking out the door, the Japanese call him back, capitulate, and a happy medium is agreed on.

From The Daily Beast

General Augusti was personally inclined to capitulate, but was dissuaded from doing so by his officers.

From Project Gutenberg

He stuck to the desperate situation by strength of arm, rather than capitulate with his conscience.

From Project Gutenberg

All the castle had opened its heart to Mary,—even Sebastian; though the churchman did not capitulate without a struggle.

From Project Gutenberg

When the Congress of Ghent assembled in 1576, the castle was occupied by a Spanish garrison, who refused to capitulate.

From Project Gutenberg

Monarchies may capitulate, republics die and bear their testimony even to martyrdom.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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