verb

abdicate

/ˈæbdɪkeɪt/ · say it: AB·di·kayt

to formally give up a throne or high office

In Politics & Diplomacy

In more detail

1. (verb) to give up power or responsibility, especially a throne

2. (verb) to fail to fulfill a duty or obligation

Examples

1. The king decided to abdicate in favor of his son.
2. The government abdicated its responsibility to protect the citizens.

How to use abdicate

Abdicate is used primarily in formal or political contexts, referring to the deliberate renunciation of authority or obligation. When used of a monarch, it means to formally relinquish the throne. When applied more broadly, it suggests a deliberate failure or refusal to fulfill a responsibility, often carrying a tone of criticism or disapproval.

Common phrases

abdicate the throne
abdicate responsibility
abdicate one's duty
abdicate power

Synonyms

renounce · relinquish · resign · step down · forsake

Opposites

assume · embrace · retain

Word family

abdication (noun) · abdicator (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse abdicate with abscond; abdicate means to give up power or duty voluntarily or through neglect, while abscond means to flee secretly.

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