capitulation

noun

ca·​pit·​u·​la·​tion kə-ˌpi-chə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: a set of terms or articles (see article sense 1c) constituting an agreement between governments

2

a

: the act of surrendering or yielding

the capitulation of the defenders of the besieged town

b

: the terms of surrender

Synonyms

• capitulating
• cession
• handover
• relinquishment
• rendition
• submission
• submitting
• surrender

Examples of capitulation in a Sentence

her sudden capitulation surprised everyone; she usually debated for hours

Recent Examples on the Web

Sampdoria’s capitulation to Frosinone is a microcosm of the past eight months. —David Ferrini, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025

More than 140 Paul Weiss alumni signed a letter assailing the capitulation. —Calvin Woodward, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025

The cowardly capitulation of Paul Weiss and Skadden Arps are negative examples to be learned from. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 29 Mar. 2025

Columbia University, through a thoroughly pusillanimous capitulation to a multi-million-dollar threat from the Trump administration, has put that conviction in the grave. —Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see capitulate

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for capitulation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration