capitulation

noun

ca·​pit·​u·​la·​tion kə-ˌpi-chə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce capitulation (audio)
1
: a set of terms or articles (see article sense 1c) constituting an agreement between governments
2
a
: the act of surrendering or yielding
the capitulation of the defenders of the besieged town
b
: the terms of surrender

Examples of capitulation in a Sentence

her sudden capitulation surprised everyone; she usually debated for hours
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The statement also called out corporate capitulation, in the wake of Disney’s decision to pull, the reinstate, Jimmy Kimmel following a warning from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr. Greg Evans, Deadline, 1 Oct. 2025 Kimmel’s show has since returned to the airwaves, but the situation triggered a multi-day news cycle about free speech and corporate capitulation to political pressure. Elizabeth Wagmeister, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2025 In March, a bloc of centrist lawmakers broke ranks to advance a Republican spending bill without concessions, infuriating progressive groups that accused party leaders of capitulation. Nik Popli, Time, 30 Sep. 2025 Missiles remain a cornerstone of Iran’s deterrence strategy, and agreeing to such terms would be seen domestically as a major capitulation. Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for capitulation

Word History

Etymology

see capitulate

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of capitulation was in 1535

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Cite this Entry

“Capitulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/capitulation. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

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