Word
capitulation
Phoneticsca·pit·u·la·tion, stress on the fourth syllable
US/kəˌpɪtʃəˈɫeɪʃən/
UK/kɐpˈɪtʃʊlˈeɪʃən/
Definition
n. the act of giving up or surrendering to someone who has more power. It usually happens when you cannot fight back anymore and have to accept their rules.
n. the act of surrendering to an enemy or an opposing force, typically after a period of resistance. Often implies a formal or complete submission to a superior authority.
Examples
“The city's capitulation ended the long war.”
“After weeks of intense negotiations, the small company's capitulation to the larger firm was inevitable.”
“The general's capitulation was not a sign of weakness but a calculated move to preserve the lives of his remaining soldiers during the final siege.”
Examples
simple
“The city's capitulation ended the long war.”
contextual
“After weeks of intense negotiations, the small company's capitulation to the larger firm was inevitable.”
complex
“The general's capitulation was not a sign of weakness but a calculated move to preserve the lives of his remaining soldiers during the final siege.”
Real-World Examples
“It also suggests a lean towards economic measures and away from military force after a six-month war that has not brought about the intended Iranian capitulation.” “In Neugarten's eyes, the biggest struggle in our middle years is time mastery versus capitulation .” Etymology
From Middle French capitulation; equivalent to capitulate + -ion. Derived from Proto-Indo-European káput (“head”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European kap-.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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