Abdicate

/ˈæb.dɪˌkeɪt/ · verb

Meaning

(transitive, obsolete) To disclaim and expel from the family, as a father his child; to disown; to disinherit..

Definitions by Sense

1. (transitive, obsolete) To disclaim and expel from the family, as a father his child; to disown; to disinherit.
2. (transitive, reflexive, obsolete) To formally separate oneself from or to divest oneself of.
3. (transitive, obsolete) To depose.
4. (transitive, obsolete) To reject; to cast off; to discard.
5. (transitive) To surrender, renounce or relinquish, as sovereign power; to withdraw definitely from filling or exercising, as a high office, station, dignity; to fail to fulfill responsibility for.
6. (intransitive) To relinquish or renounce a throne, or other high office or dignity; to renounce sovereignty.

Example Sentences

[W]e were legally call'd by his Majeſties writ to give our Attendance in Parliament, […] if we did not, we ſhould betray the Truſt committed to us by his Majeſtie, and ſhamefully betray and abdicate the due right both of our ſelves and Succeſſours.

to abdicate the throne, the crown, the papacy

Note: The word abdicate was held to mean, in the case of James II, to abandon without a formal surrender.

The cross-bearers abdicated their service.

He abdicates all right to be his own governor.

The understanding abdicates its functions.

Although the 1970s ushered in a culture of relative moral freedom, the courts refused to abdicate their role of custodians of public morality.

Though a king may abdicate for his own person, he cannot abdicate for the monarchy.

Synonyms for abdicate

Antonyms for abdicate

Related Words

Word Forms

• abdicates
• abdicating
• abdicated

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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