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Definition of capitulate

capitulate

/kəˈpɪtʃəleɪt/
ca · pit · u · late
Adjective:capitulatory
•
Past Simple:capitulated
•
Past Participle:capitulated
•
Present Participle:capitulating
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capitulate Lexical Profile

capitulate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To cease to resist an opponent or an unwelcome demand; to yield or surrender.

Example

"After weeks of intense negotiations, the management finally agreed to capitulate to the union's demands for better healthcare benefits."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for capitulate

• Rhymes for capitulate

• Nearby Words

capitalization
capitalize
capitol
capitulate
capitulation
capless
caplet

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 16th century from Medieval Latin capitulātus, the past participle of capitulāre, meaning 'to draw up under headings or clauses' (from Latin capitulum, 'little head' or 'chapter'). The modern sense of surrendering evolved from the practice of drafting a formal agreement of surrender under specific headings or conditions.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Capitulate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/capitulate
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