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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 notes

In plain EnglishTo give in and accept someone else's terms after resisting.

Easily confused with
Common pairings
capitulate to pressure refuse to capitulate

Word Forms

more capitulate comparative, capitulated past tense, capitulates singular, most capitulate superlative

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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").

Origin: Medieval Latin

Rhymes for capitulate

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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").

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial