Definition of Capitulate
Quick Meaning of Capitulate
To give up or surrender, usually after agreeing on terms or conditions. It's a formal way of saying someone stopped fighting and accepted defeat.
Detailed Definition of Capitulate
To surrender under agreed or specified terms; to cease resistance and accept defeat.
How to Pronounce Capitulate
Stress pattern: oOoo (4-syllable word).
Tip: Stress the second syllable: kuh-PIT-chuh-layt. The 'ch' sounds like 'ch' in 'church'.
Watch out: Some learners stress the first syllable (CAP-i-tu-late) or the third (cap-i-TU-late). Correct: kuh-PIT-chuh-layt.
Origin and Etymology of Capitulate
From Latin 'capitulare' (to arrange by chapters/terms). 'Caput' means 'head' or 'chapter'. Entered English in 16th century with military meaning.
How to Use Capitulate in a Sentence
Each example shows “capitulate” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“After a six-month siege, the fortress finally capitulated to enemy forces.”
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“The government capitulated to pressure from international organizations.”
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“Despite their initial resolve, the rebels capitulated when supplies ran out.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Capitulate
Common Synonyms for Capitulate
Smart Synonyms for Capitulate — When to Use Each
- surrender
- More general; can mean immediate giving up without
- yield
- Slightly less formal; implies gradual concession
- submit
- Emphasizes accepting authority or demands
Common Collocations with Capitulate
These phrases pair with “capitulate” in everyday English:
- capitulate to pressure
- capitulate to demands
- finally capitulate
- refuse to capitulate
- capitulate without conditions
Common Mistakes When Using Capitulate
Even fluent speakers slip up with “capitulate”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: The team capitulated their weapons.
- ✓ Correct: The team surrendered their weapons. / The team capitulated to enemy forces.
- Why: 'Capitulate' is intransitive; it doesn't take a direct object. Use 'surrender' for the transitive form, or use 'capitulate to'.
- ✗ Wrong: He capitulated but he continued fighting.
- ✓ Correct: He capitulated, but he later changed his mind. / He resisted instead of capitulating.
- Why: 'Capitulate' means to stop resistance. If fighting continued, capitulation didn't occur.
- ✗ Wrong: The company capitulated the proposal.
- ✓ Correct: The company capitulated to the proposal. / The company rejected the proposal.
- Why: Use 'capitulate to' (not 'capitulate' as transitive verb).
Other Forms of Capitulate
- Noun: capitulation
- Verb: capitulate
Frequently Asked Questions About Capitulate
What is the meaning of "Capitulate"?
To give up or surrender, usually after agreeing on terms or conditions. It's a formal way of saying someone stopped fighting and accepted defeat.
How do you pronounce "Capitulate"?
The IPA is /kəˈpɪtʃuleɪt/. Stress the second syllable: kuh-PIT-chuh-layt. The 'ch' sounds like 'ch' in 'church'.
What part of speech is "Capitulate"?
"Capitulate" is a verb at C2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Capitulate"?
Common synonyms include surrender, yield, give up.
How do you use "Capitulate" in a sentence?
For example: "After a six-month siege, the fortress finally capitulated to enemy forces."