One entry found for abdicate.
Main Entry: ab·di·cate
Pronunciation: 'ab-di-"kAt
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): -cat·ed; -cat·ing
Etymology: Latin abdicatus, past participle of abdicare, from ab- + dicare to proclaim -- more at DICTION
Date: 1541
transitive senses
1 : to cast off : DISCARD
2 : to relinquish (as sovereign power) formally
intransitive senses : to renounce a throne, high office, dignity, or function
- ab·di·ca·ble /-k&-b&l/ adjective
- ab·di·ca·tion /"ab-di-'kA-sh&n/ noun
- ab·di·ca·tor /'ab-di-"kA-t&r/ noun
synonyms ABDICATE, RENOUNCE, RESIGN mean to give up a position with no possibility of resuming it. ABDICATE implies a giving up of sovereign power or sometimes an evading of responsibility such as that of a parent <abdicated the throne>. RENOUNCE may replace it but often implies additionally a sacrifice for a greater end <renounced her inheritance by marrying a commoner>. RESIGN applies to the giving up of an unexpired office or trust <resigned from the board>.