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View synonyms for

abdicate

[ab-di-keyt]

verb (used without object)

abdicated, abdicating 
  1. to renounce or relinquish a throne, right, power, claim, responsibility, or the like, especially in a formal manner.

    The aging founder of the firm decided to abdicate.

    Synonyms: ,


verb (used with object)

abdicated, abdicating 
  1. to give up or renounce (authority, duties, an office, etc.), especially in a voluntary, public, or formal manner.

    King Edward VIII of England abdicated the throne in 1936.

    Synonyms: ,

abdicate

/ ˈæbdɪˌkeɪt, ˈæbdɪkəbəl, æbˈdɪkətɪv /

verb

  1. to renounce (a throne, power, responsibility, rights, etc), esp formally

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • abdicable adjective
  • abdicative adjective
  • abdicator noun
  • nonabdicative adjective
  • unabdicated adjective
  • unabdicating adjective
  • unabdicative adjective
  • ˈ徱ˌٴǰ noun
  • ˌ徱ˈپDz noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of abdicate1

First recorded in 1535–45; from Latin 徱(ܲ) “renounced,” past participle of “to renounce,” from ab- ab- + “to indicate, consecrate”
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Word History and Origins

Origin of abdicate1

C16: from the past participle of Latin to proclaim away, disclaim
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

It may serve his interests by distracting and deflecting but abdicates presidential responsibility.

From

Newsom took a shot at Johnson during his address, saying the speaker has “completely abdicated” his responsibility for Congress to serve as a check on the White House.

From

The White House has said the decisions were necessary because the state's leaders have "completely abdicated their responsibility to protect their citizens."

From

In the wake of this violence, California's feckless Democrat leaders have completely abdicated their responsibility to protect their citizens.

From

De Bruyne has made it clear he is not abdicating his throne by his own choice, saying he was surprised not to be offered a new contract by the club.

From

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abdicantabdication