Main Entry:

ab·di·cate

Pronunciation:

\ˈab-di-ˌkāt\

Function:

verb

Inflected Form(s):

ab·di·cat·ed; ab·di·cat·ing

Etymology:

Latin abdicatus, past participle of abdicare, from ab- + dicare to proclaim — more at diction

Date:

1541

transitive verb 1 : to cast off : discard 2 : to relinquish (as sovereign power) formally intransitive verb : to renounce a throne, high office, dignity, or function

— ab·di·ca·ble \-kə-bəl\ adjective

— ab·di·ca·tion \ˌab-di-ˈkā-shən\ noun

— ab·di·ca·tor \ˈab-di-ˌkā-tər\ noun

synonyms abdicate, renounce, resign mean to give up a position with no possibility of resuming it. abdicate implies a giving up of sovereign power or sometimes an evading of responsibility such as that of a parent <abdicated the throne>. renounce may replace it but often implies additionally a sacrifice for a greater end <renounced her inheritance by marrying a commoner>. resign applies to the giving up of an unexpired office or trust <resigned from the board>.