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 European Union trade deal with the United States amounts to a capitulation to President Donald Trump. Ross Douthat, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2025 But Demings’ capitulation drew criticism from immigration advocates. Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2025 This swift and near-total capitulation to political depravity is for many people outside the United States an extraordinary sight. Pankaj Mishra, Harpers Magazine, 16 July 2025 Some higher education leaders criticized Penn's agreement as unnecessary capitulation. Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 3 July 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Capitulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/capitulation. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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