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[ab-di-keyt]
Verb
Definition
- To renounce or give up a throne, right, power, claim, responsibility, or the like, especially in a formal manner.
Examples
"The old president of the company decided to abdicate his role."
"King Edward VIII abdicated his throne to marry the love of his life."
Synonyms
forgorelinquishrenouncestep downvacateabandon
Antonyms
keepstayremain
Additional Notes
- Abdicate is typically used when stepping down from a higher position of power in an organization, institution, or a country.
- Originated from the Latin word ab + dicare meaning 'away from' + 'declare.'
- Can be confused with abnegate (verb) which means to deny or renounce something.