abdicated
v. B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈæbdəˌkeɪtɪd// UK //ˈæbdɪkˌeɪtɪd// ab·di·cat·ed
v. to officially give up your position as a king, queen, or leader. You use this when someone steps down from power and stops being in charge.
v. to formally relinquish a high office, such as that of a monarch, or to renounce a position of authority. Often used in historical or political contexts.
The king abdicated after forty years on the throne.
The president abdicated his responsibilities to the committee when he fell ill during the election campaign.
By abdicating the throne in favor of his son, the emperor ensured a smooth transition of power that prevented the civil unrest that had plagued the previous dynasty.