Abdicate Meaning and Definition
Abdicate
Pronunciation
/əbˈdɪkeɪt/
Part of Speech
Verb
Definition
To give up or renounce a power, position, or responsibility, often in a formal or official manner.
Examples
- The king decided to abdicate the throne.
- The coach abdicated responsibility for the team’s poor performance.
Synonyms
- Relinquish
- Renounce
Antonyms
- Assume
- Accede
Additional Information
Abdication is a common practice in monarchies, where a ruler gives up their power to their heir or another person. It is also used in business and politics to describe the act of giving up control or responsibility. In a broader sense, abdication can also refer to the act of giving up a particular role or identity.
In some cases, abdication can be seen as a means of escape or avoidance, rather than a conscious decision to relinquish power. For example, a person may abdicate their duties to avoid conflict or difficult decisions.
Etymology
The word “abdicate” comes from the Latin “abdicare”, which means “to forsake” or “to give up”.
Usage Notes
Abdicate is often used in formal or official contexts, such as in politics or business. It can also be used in more casual contexts to describe the act of giving up a particular role or responsibility.
Cultural References
In popular culture, abdication has been depicted in many films, books, and TV shows. For example, the movie “The Queen” (2006) features a storyline around the abdication of Queen Elizabeth II’s grandson, Prince Charles.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“To abdicate responsibility” is a common idiomatic expression that means to give up one’s duties or responsibilities.
Related Words or Phrases
Relinquish, renounce, surrender, give up, resign
Collocations
Abdicate throne, abdicate responsibility, abdicate power
Frequency of Use
Abdicate is a relatively rare word in modern language, but it is still used in formal and official contexts.
Common Misspellings
Abdicate, Abdicate