Abdicate

Quick meaning: Abdicate is a verb meaning (transitive, obsolete) To disclaim and expel from the family, as a father his child; to disown; to disinherit.

Meaning

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

More Meanings

1. (transitive, reflexive, obsolete) To formally separate oneself from or to divest oneself of.
2. (transitive, obsolete) To depose.
3. (transitive, obsolete) To reject; to cast off; to discard.
4. (intransitive) To relinquish or renounce a throne, or other high office or dignity; to renounce sovereignty.
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.

Example Sentences

The cross-bearers abdicated their service.

The understanding abdicates its functions.

to abdicate the throne, the crown, the papacy

He abdicates all right to be his own governor.

Word Forms

• abdicates
• abdicating
• abdicated

Synonyms for abdicate

Depending on context, synonyms include abandon, abjure, cast off, cede, desert, disinherit.

Antonyms for abdicate

Common opposites include claim, grasp, maintain, occupy, retain, seize.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include renounce, abandon, forsake, forswear, relinquish, forgo.

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