capitulate
kuh-PIT-yoo-layt
/kəˈpɪtʃuleɪt/
To surrender under agreed conditions; to cease resisting an opponent or unwelcome demand.
Originally meant drawing up formal terms or chapters (capitula) of surrender, rather than an unconditional collapse.
The story behind the word. From Medieval Latin 'capitulare' (to draw up articles of agreement), derived from Latin 'capitulum' (a small head or heading/chapter, diminutive of 'caput'). Surrendering commanders negotiated terms itemized under numbered headings.
Word relationships
- surrender: Surrender is the general term for yielding; capitulate carries historical weight of negotiating articles of surrender.
- yield: Yield can be subtle or casual, whereas capitulate implies stopping active resistance under pressure.
- resist: To withstand or fight against an opposing force.
- persevere: To persist despite opposition or hardship.
Commonly confused with
- recapitulate: Recapitulate means to summarize main points; capitulate means to surrender.
Word family
- capitulation (noun): The act of surrendering or yielding.
Collocations
- capitulate to demands
- refuse to capitulate
- forced to capitulate
Example sentences
- "After three weeks of intense bombardment, the garrison commander was forced to capitulate." Formal military surrender
- "Under intense pressure from public protest, the council eventually capitulated to the demands." Political negotiations
Memory hook
CAPITULATE: draw up CHAPTERS (capitula) of surrender terms. Surrender by terms listed under headings.
When not to use
Do not use when someone simply changes their mind easily; capitulate carries the weight of formally giving in after resistance.
Fun facts
- 'Recapitulate' comes from the exact same root, meaning to go through the headings/chapters of an argument again—which is why we say 'recap'.
Explore more words
concede, appease, back down, concession, appeasement, compromise
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