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

---

capitulate British  

/ kəˈpɪtjʊˌleɪt /

verb

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

---

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 his October memo, “Three Tough Truths About Climate,” Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates capitulates, admitting, “It will not lead to humanity’s demise.”

From The Wall Street Journal

The market hasn’t capitulated, but it’s getting closer.

From MarketWatch

It takes both sides to end a war, unless an opponent capitulates.

From Barron's

He believed that Tehran would likely capitulate before it could close the strait or cause significant economic damage.

From The Wall Street Journal

The president told his White House team that Tehran would likely capitulate before closing the strait, the world’s most vital shipping lane.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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