The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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capitulate

verb

/kəˈpɪtjʊleɪt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of capitulate

To surrender, cease resisting, or accept defeat, especially after a struggle or competition.
"The company was forced to capitulate to the demands of the workers."

Detailed meaning of capitulate

For example, a person who is fighting a losing battle might eventually decide to capitulate and give up. A nation that is engaged in a war might capitulate and agree to a peace treaty. The term can also be used more generally to describe a situation in which someone gives up or gives in to something, such as a demand or a request. For example, a person who is negotiating with someone else might eventually capitulate and agree to their demands.

Example sentences containing capitulate

1. Under the intense pressure from the opposition, the government might soon capitulate.
2. Despite their best efforts, the team had to capitulate in the face of a stronger opponent.
3. If you show patience and stay consistent, the child will eventually capitulate and do their homework.
4. Facing the prospect of a lengthy and expensive legal battle, they decided to capitulate and accept the settlement offer.
5. The management will have to capitulate to the union's demands to prevent a strike.
6. If we don't stand our ground, the competitors will expect us to capitulate.

History and etymology of capitulate

The verb 'capitulate' derives from the Latin word 'capitulare,' which is derived from 'capitulum,' meaning 'a chapter' or 'a section of a book.' In Roman military practice, 'capitulare' referred to the act of drawing up the conditions of surrender or terms of an agreement, often in written chapters or sections. Over time, 'capitulate' entered the English language in the late 16th century, signifying the act of surrendering or ceasing resistance, especially after a struggle or competition. The etymology of 'capitulate' reflects its historical association with the formal surrender of terms, emphasizing the notion of yielding and accepting defeat, typically in a structured or negotiated manner.

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Further usage examples of capitulate

1. Under the threat of sanctions, the country may have to capitulate and change its policies.
2. The soldiers refused to capitulate, even when outnumbered.
3. We will not capitulate to fear or intimidation.
4. With their resources depleted, they had no choice but to capitulate.
5. The chess player had to capitulate after losing his queen early in the game.
6. If you capitulate to your cravings every time, it will be hard to stick to a healthy diet.
7. Under the immense pressure, the corrupt leader had to capitulate and step down.
8. When faced with the facts, the skeptic had to capitulate and accept the truth.
9. Despite the adversity, the determined team refused to capitulate.
10. The company had to capitulate and recall the faulty product from the market.
11. After hours of intense negotiation, the kidnapper decided to capitulate and release the hostages.
12. They had to capitulate to the terms of the contract to secure the deal.
13. When it was clear that their demands were unrealistic, the protestors had to capitulate.
14. Despite initial resistance, the board had to capitulate and approve the merger.