abdication
Americannoun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of abdication
First recorded in 1545–55, abdication is from the Latin word abdicātiōn- (stem of abdicātiō ). See abdicate, -ion
Explanation
Abdication is the formal act of stepping down from something, especially a king giving up the throne. An abdication is a type of resignation. When a king — or another person in power — gives up that position, they abdicate. Such an act is then called an abdication. The roots of this word mean declare in Latin, and that's an important part of the meaning. Abdicating isn't just quitting: it's formally quitting, including a declaration of quitting. There’s no such thing as a private abdication. After an abdication, there's a vacuum of power, and there may be a power struggle to fill the empty position.
Vocabulary lists containing abdication
Vocabulary From the Ninth Democratic Debate, April 14, 2016
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Breadcrumbs
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The Family Romanov
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Abdication is the norm at the egalitarian House of Orange.
From Seattle Times • Jan. 13, 2024
The exhibition includes documents that shine light on well-known love affairs, including the Instrument of Abdication of Edward VIII, the legal document allowing him to give up the throne and marry Wallis Simpson.
From The Guardian • Feb. 14, 2020
“Bad message. Bad precedent. Abdication of moral responsibility. Risk to us.”
From Los Angeles Times • May 24, 2019
"Bad message. Bad precedent. Abdication of moral responsibility. Risk to us."
From Fox News • May 24, 2019
"The Abdication of Charles V., Miss Martin," said he, proudly.
From The Martins Of Cro' Martin, Vol. I (of II) by Lever, Charles James
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
