verb
capitulate
kuh-PIH-tyuu-layt
Capitulate (verb) means to stop resisting and agree to the other side's terms; to surrender. Example: “After weeks of siege, the garrison finally capitulated.”
verb
1
To stop resisting and agree to the other side's terms; to surrender.
"After weeks of siege, the garrison finally capitulated."
"She capitulated to her children's demands for a later bedtime."
How to use capitulate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo give in and accept someone else's terms after resisting.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
capitulate to pressure
refuse to capitulate
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- capitulates
- Past tense
- capitulated
- Comparative
- more capitulate
- Superlative
- most capitulate
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
After weeks of siege, the garrison finally _____.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin capitulare ("to draw up under headings, to negotiate terms"), from capitulum ("chapter, heading"), a diminutive of caput ("head").
Related words
Rhymes for capitulate
See all rhymes for capitulate →Frequently asked questions
What does “capitulate” mean?
The word “capitulate” means to stop resisting and agree to the other side's terms; to surrender. In plain terms, to give in and accept someone else's terms after resisting.
How do you pronounce “capitulate”?
“Capitulate” is pronounced kuh-PIH-tyuu-layt (/kəˈpɪt͡ʃ.jʊ.leɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “capitulate” in a sentence?
Here is “capitulate” used in a sentence: “After weeks of siege, the garrison finally capitulated.”
What part of speech is “capitulate”?
“Capitulate” is a verb.
Where does the word “capitulate” come from?
The word “capitulate” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin capitulare ("to draw up under headings, to negotiate terms"), from capitulum ("chapter, heading"), a diminutive of caput ("head").
