abdication

[ab-di-key-shuhn]

noun

1. the act or state of abdicating; renunciation.

Other Word Forms

• nonabdication noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of abdication¹

First recorded in 1545–55, abdication is from the Latin word abdicātiōn- (stem of abdicātiō ). See abdicate, -ion

Example Sentences

The abdication, Max Kennedy said, is a terrible example for students.

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At the time of the gift, Elizabeth's parents were the Duke and Duchess of York, before her father ascended to the throne as George VI, following his brother Edward VIII's abdication.

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Elizabeth is also the conscience of the piece, befriending the Creature and being alternately attracted to Victor and repulsed by what she sees as his moral degeneracy—never mind his abdication of parental responsibility.

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This is the kind of national abdication of decision-making to international bodies that has spurred populist rebellions across Europe and the U.S.

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“I’m not thrilled with this administration’s complete abdication of our true national security priorities,” she added.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• abandonment