verb

abdicate

to abdicate, to renounce, to give up

The king decided to abdicate the throne.

The king decided to abdicate the throne.

He abdicated all responsibility for the project.

He abdicated all responsibility for the project.

((the throne)) to give up a position of power The king decided to abdicate the throne.

((responsibility)) to fail to fulfill a duty He abdicated all responsibility for the project.

Synonyms: renounce, resign, step down; Antonyms: ascend, assume, claim

From Latin 'ab' (away) + 'dicare' (to proclaim). Literally 'to proclaim away' or formally renounce.

Think of 'ab-' as 'away' and '-dicate' like 'dictator'. A ruler is formally moving away from power.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.