Meaning & Definition of word "Abdicate"
to
Abdicate
/ˈæb.dɪ.keɪt/
verb:
- 1. to renounce one's throne or position of power or authority.
- Example: The king decided to abdicate in favor of his son after a long reign.
- 2. to fail to fulfill a duty or responsibility.
- Example: She felt she could not abdicate her responsibilities as a parent.
- 3. to give up or relinquish a claim, right, or privilege.
- Example: He chose to abdicate his rights to the family estate in order to settle the dispute.
Etymology
From Latin 'abdicare', meaning 'to disown or reject'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
abdicate the throne:
to relinquish one's position as king or queen
abdication of responsibility:
the act of failing to take responsibility for a duty or obligation
Related Words
resignation:
the act of resigning or giving up a position
vacate:
to leave a place that one previously occupied
relinquish:
to give up something voluntarily
Slang Meanings of abdicate
Meaning: to give up in a situation
Example Sentence: He totally abdicated when the workload got tough.
Meaning: to throw in the towel
Example Sentence: After the third failure, she decided to abdicate her plans.