[ab.di.cate] vb -cat.ed ; -cat.ing [L abdicatus, pp. of abdicare, fr. ab- + dicare to proclaim--more at diction] vt (1541) 1: to cast off: discard
2: to relinquish (as sovereign power) formally ~ vi: to renounce a throne, high office, dignity, or function -- ab.di.ca.ble adj -- ab.di.ca.tion n -- ab.di.ca.tor n syn 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".