capitulation

noun

ca·​pit·​u·​la·​tion kə-ˌpi-chə-ˈlā-shən 

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

Synonyms

• surrender
• submission

Examples of capitulation in a Sentence

her sudden capitulation surprised everyone; she usually debated for hours

Recent Examples on the Web

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

Hollywood leaders were astonished; free speech groups were appalled; and the episode triggered a multi-day news cycle about free speech and corporate capitulation to political pressure. —Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2025

To many of them, the latest preliminary peace deal signed by Pashinyan represents a humiliating capitulation. —Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 21 Sep. 2025

Since Kimmel’s remark, the backlash has shifted from conservative furor to cries of capitulation, coming from Capitol Hill Democrats, to former President Barack Obama, to former Disney CEO Michael Eisner. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 19 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see capitulate

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for capitulation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration