What does abdicate mean?
Abdicate is a formal verb meaning to renounce or relinquish a position of power, most famously a throne. When a monarch abdicates, he or she voluntarily steps down from rule, as Edward VIII did in 1936 when he gave up the British crown. By extension, the word is used figuratively: to abdicate responsibility is to abandon a duty one is expected to perform, a usage common in political commentary and moral criticism, where it carries a distinctly disapproving tone. The word derives from the Latin abdicare, formed from ab- ('away from') and dicare ('to proclaim' or 'to dedicate'), so its underlying image is of publicly declaring oneself away from an office. Its noun form is abdication, and it is closely related to words such as indicate, dedicate, and proclaim, all built on the same Latin root dicare. Abdicate remains a staple of formal English, valued for the gravity and finality it conveys.
verbTo formally renounce or give up a position of power, especially that of monarch or ruler. More broadly, to fail or refuse to fulfil a responsibility or duty.
- To renounce formally a throne or high office.
- To fail or refuse to perform a duty or responsibility.
"King Edward VIII abdicated the throne in 1936 in order to marry Wallis Simpson."
"The ageing emperor announced his intention to abdicate in favour of his eldest son."
"Parents who ignore their children's education are accused of abdicating their responsibilities."
In 1936, Edward VIII gave up the British throne for love — making 'abdicate' one of the few words forever tied to a single royal romance.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of abdicate
Abdicate comes from the Latin abdicare, meaning 'to renounce' or 'to disown', formed from ab- ('away from') and dicare ('to proclaim, dedicate'). It entered English in the early 17th century, initially in legal contexts concerning the renunciation of rights or property before becoming associated with royalty. It shares its Latin root with words such as dedicate, indicate, and proclaim.
Related word forms
How abdicate is actually used
Formal in register. The literal sense applies chiefly to monarchs and heads of state; the figurative sense — 'abdicate responsibility' — is common in political and moral criticism and often carries a disapproving connotation.
Easily confused with abdicate
To arbitrate is to act as an impartial judge in settling a dispute, whereas to abdicate is to renounce a throne or abandon a duty.