Meaning & Definition of word "Capitulation"

Capitulation

/kəˌpɪtʃ.əˈleɪ.ʃən/

noun:

  • 1. The act of surrendering or giving up, especially under agreed conditions.
    • Example: The general's capitulation marked the end of the prolonged siege.
  • 2. A formal agreement or treaty that specifies the conditions of surrender.
    • Example: The capitulation between the two nations was signed to ensure peaceful relations.
  • 3. The act of yielding or submitting to a demand or set of conditions.
    • Example: Her capitulation to the board’s demands was unexpected but necessary for the project’s success.
  • 4. The process of summarizing or restating the main points.
    • Example: The capitulation of the entire book into a single paragraph was both challenging and rewarding.

Etymology

From Latin 'capitulatio', from 'capitulare', meaning to draw up in chapters.

Common Phrases and Expressions

unconditional capitulation:

A total surrender without any conditions.

capitulation agreement:

A formal agreement that outlines the terms of surrender.

Related Words

capitulate:

To surrender or give up.

capitulary:

A set of laws or rules, particularly those relating to the capitulations.

Slang Meanings of capitulation

Meaning: Throwing in the towel

Example Sentence: After months of trying to fix the issue, they finally decided to capitulate and throw in the towel.

Meaning: Giving up the ghost

Example Sentence: When the negotiations fell apart, it was clear they had given up the ghost.