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abdicate

Verb

IPA /ˈæbdɪkeɪt/

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Meaning in plain English

To give up the official position of king, queen or emperor.

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Pronunciation

abdicate/ˈæbdɪkeɪt/

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A monarch holds the throne
The monarch formally gives it up
Someone else takes over as ruler

To abdicate is to give up a royal position, allowing a successor to take over.

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Examples in context

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In the novel, the ageing queen decides to abdicate so her daughter can rule.
Our history class discussed why the king chose to abdicate.

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In the novel, the ageing queen decides to ________ so her daughter can rule.

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abdicate — To give up the official position of king, queen or emperor.

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To give up the official position of king, queen or emperor.

Compare: In the novel, the ageing queen decides to abdicate so her daughter can rule.

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Word origin

From Latin abdicare, a verb meaning to declare that one gives something up.

Did you know?

You can abdicate the throne or simply abdicate when the royal position is already clear.

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