Definition of "abdicate" in English

verb

1. (transitive, obsolete) To disclaim and expel from the family, as a father his child; to disown; to disinherit.

2. (transitive, reflexive, obsolete) To formally separate oneself from or to divest oneself of.

3. (transitive, obsolete) To depose.

4. (transitive, obsolete) To reject; to cast off; to discard.

5. (transitive) 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.

   • 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.

6. (intransitive) To relinquish or renounce a throne, or other high office or dignity; to renounce sovereignty.