capitulate

[ kuh-pich-uh-leyt ]
See synonyms for: capitulatecapitulating on Thesaurus.com

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.

Origin of capitulate

1
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 ; see origin at capitulum,chapter, -ate1

Other words for capitulate

Other words from capitulate

  • 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

Words that may be confused with capitulate

Words Nearby capitulate

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How to use capitulate in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for capitulate

capitulate

/ (kəˈpɪtjʊˌleɪt) /


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

Origin of capitulate

1
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

Derived forms of capitulate

  • capitulator, noun

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