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.
Public comment overwhelmingly opposed capitulation to the state’s mandate. Chris Boyette, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2025 There is actually a consensus among the factions that surrender or capitulation is unthinkable. Leila Seurat, Foreign Affairs, 26 Aug. 2025 Opposition Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre called it a capitulation by Carney. Jason Ma, Fortune, 23 Aug. 2025 Opposition Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre called it a capitulation by Carney. Rob Gillies, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 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 10 Sep. 2025.

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