Capitulate: Meaning, Examples and Quiz
Capitulate (verb) — To capitulate is to surrender or stop resisting a demand, opponent or pressure. In everyday writing, it often means giving in after trying to resist.
Capitulate and compromise are different
If both sides make concessions, they may reach a compromise. If one side abandons its resistance and accepts the other side’s demand, capitulate is often the more appropriate word.
Use capitulate to name the act of giving in. It does not itself tell us whether that decision was sensible, necessary or unwise. The surrounding sentence supplies that judgement.
Capitulate in sentences
- After weeks of resistance, the committee capitulated to the residents’ demand.
- The club refused to capitulate when its first proposal was rejected.
- Under growing pressure, the manager finally capitulated and changed the rule.
- Neither player wanted to capitulate before the last round.
Useful patterns and word forms
Capitulate is normally intransitive: someone capitulates, or capitulates to someone or something. Forms: capitulated, capitulating. The related noun is capitulation.
Short quiz: check your understanding
Try each question before opening its answer.
Question 1
Someone who capitulates to a demand A) gives in or B) becomes more resistant?
Show answer 1 and explanation
A. They stop resisting and accept the demand.
Question 2
Complete: “The council capitulated ___ public pressure.”
Show answer 2 and explanation
To. Capitulate to pressure is a common pattern.
Question 3
Both sides give up some demands and agree on a middle option. Is compromise or capitulation more precise?
Show answer 3 and explanation
Compromise. Mutual concessions differ from one side simply surrendering its position.
Try it today: Write one past-tense sentence using capitulated to.
Dictionary reference: Merriam-Webster: Capitulate. Examples and quiz questions are written for English Skill Studio.
FROM READING TO PRACTICE
Practise this topic
Build on this article with a connected lesson. Explore the explanation, try the examples, and check what you remember.
Recalcitrant
Contrast giving in with stubborn resistance to instructions.
Idiom lessonThrow in the towel
Learn an idiom for admitting defeat or giving up.
Grammar lessonTenses – 12 Types Simplified + Timeline
Practise verb forms and time references with capitulate, capitulated and capitulating.
Categories: Word of the day-2