Pronunciations (2)
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/ˈæb.dɪˌkeɪt/
Pronunciation notes
- Received-Pronunciation
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ˈæb.dɪˌkeɪt
Pronunciation notes
- GB
Verb
To disclaim and expel from the family, as a father his child; to disown; to disinherit.
Usage- Obsolete
- Transitive
To formally separate oneself from or to divest oneself of.
Usage- Obsolete
- Reflexive
- Transitive
To depose.
Usage- Obsolete
- Transitive
To reject; to cast off; to discard.
Usage- Obsolete
- Transitive
- Examples
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More examples (1)
[W]e were legally call'd by his Majeſties writ to give our Attendance in Parliament, […] if we did not, we ſhould betray the Truſt committed to us by his Majeſtie, and ſhamefully betray and abdicate the due right both of our ſelves and Succeſſours.
To surrender, renounce or relinquish, as sovereign power; to withdraw definitely from filling or exercising, as a high office, station, dignity; to fail to fulfill responsibility for.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
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to abdicate the throne, the crown, the papacy
Note: The word abdicate was held to mean, in the case of James II, to abandon without a formal surrender.
More examples (4)
The cross-bearers abdicated their service.
He abdicates all right to be his own governor.
The understanding abdicates its functions.
Although the 1970s ushered in a culture of relative moral freedom, the courts refused to abdicate their role of custodians of public morality.
To relinquish or renounce a throne, or other high office or dignity; to renounce sovereignty.
Usage- Intransitive
- Examples
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Though a king may abdicate for his own person, he cannot abdicate for the monarchy.
Verb
give up, such as power, as of monarchs and emperors, or duties and obligations
- Synonyms
- Examples
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The King abdicated when he married a divorcee