v.
Pronunciation: ' ab-di- ˌ k ā t
Function: verb
Inflected Form: -cat · ed ; -cat · ing
Etymology: Latin abdicatus, past participle of abdicare, from ab- + dicare to proclaim ― more at DICTION
Date: 1541
transitive verb
1 : to cast off : DISCARD
2 : to relinquish (as sovereign power) formally
intransitive verb : to renounce a throne, high office, dignity, or function
– ab · di · ca · ble \ -k ə -b ə l \ adjective
– ab · di · ca · tion \ ˌ ab-di- ' k ā -sh ə n \ noun
– ab · di · ca · tor \ ' ab-di- ˌ k ā -t ə r \ noun
synonyms ABDICATE , RENOUNCE , RESIGN mean to give up a position with no possibility of resuming it. ABDICATE implies a giving up of sovereign power or sometimes an evading of responsibility such as that of a parent < abdicated the throne>. RENOUNCE may replace it but often implies additionally a sacrifice for a greater end < renounced her inheritance by marrying a commoner>. RESIGN applies to the giving up of an unexpired office or trust < resigned from the board>.