capitulate

[kuh-pich-uh-leyt]

verb (used without object)

capitulated, capitulating 

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

Other Word Forms

• capitulant noun
• capitulator noun
• uncapitulated adjective
• uncapitulating 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

It’s an old Wall Street saying that a bull market doesn’t end “till the last bear turns bullish,” or at least until they capitulate.

Read more on MarketWatch

In case anyone wonders if there’s any point in taking a stand only to be forced to capitulate down the road, I would invite you to consider an episode from last summer.

Read more on Salon

“We’ve capitulated and changed our tune for the beat-and-raise juggernaut,” the analyst says after raising a number of near and longer term estimates for the energy company.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The terrorists apparently believed that the taking of hostages and accompanying psychological warfare would force Israel to capitulate and end the war, leaving Hamas victorious.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In spring 1877, Crazy Horse capitulated; Sitting Bull led his followers into Canadian exile, where they would remain for four years until hunger drove them back across the border.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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