knuckle under

knuckle under

verb

Definition of KNUCKLE UNDER

1

to cease resistance (as to another's arguments, demands, or control) <encouraged her to stand firm and not knuckle under to political pressure>

Synonyms blink, bow, budge, capitulate, concede, give in, knuckle under, quit, relent, submit, succumb, surrender

Related Words acquiesce; defer

Near Antonyms contend, fight, hold off; battle, breast, combat, confront, counter, defy, face, meet, object, oppose, repel; thwart, withstand

Antonyms resist

2

to yield to the control or power of enemy forces <the remote outpost was overrun and forced to knuckle under>

Synonyms capitulate, give up, knuckle under, submit, succumb, surrender

Related Words bow, buckle, cave (in), collapse, give (in); hand over, relinquish; lose; concede, fail, fold

Near Antonyms buck, defy, fight, oppose, repel, resist, withstand; beat, overcome, win; conquer, prevail, triumph

Antonyms endure, stand