capitulate

American  

[kuh-pich-uh-leyt] / kəˈpɪtʃ əˌleɪt /

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

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capitulate British  

/ kəˈpɪtjʊˌleɪt /

verb

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

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Other Word Forms

• capitulant noun
• capitulator noun
• uncapitulated adjective
• uncapitulating adjective

Etymology

Origin of capitulate

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

Example Sentences

In their previous meeting, Motherwell were 2-1 up only to capitulate thanks to a rare defensive lapse.

From BBC

If a tender offer looks like it has widespread support, boards of the company being sold tend to capitulate and negotiate a deal before the deadline.

From The Wall Street Journal

As bitcoin cracked, liquidations mounted and short-term holders capitulated, while ETFs registered heavy outflows.

From MarketWatch

The shares didn’t recover until Zuckerberg finally capitulated and dubbed 2023 the “Year of Efficiency,” defined by layoffs and aggressive spending cuts.

From MarketWatch

Some of Silverstein’s critics accused him of using frivolous lawsuits as a delaying tactic, forcing real estate developers to capitulate or risk huge financial losses.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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