noun
capitulation
kuh-pich-oo-LAY-shun/kəˌpɪtʃuˈleɪʃn/
Giving up resistance to an opponent or demand.
Laying his king on its side signals the chess player's capitulation.
Etymology
Capitulum, “heading,” connects this word to agreements organized into articles. Capitulation originally meant an agreement on specified terms, then narrowed to making terms of surrender and the act of yielding.
In context
the fortress’s capitulation was signed a few days later. The 1710 Siege of Port Royal was the victory
More examples
- The negotiators reject anything resembling complete capitulation.
- His apology feels like a capitulation to political pressure.
- The treaty records the terms of capitulation.
Forms
capitulation · capitulations
Similar words
- surrender
- The usual term for giving oneself or control up.
- concession
- Gives up a particular demand without necessarily ending resistance.