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

In Korea and Vietnam, the Soviet Union and its partners stalled negotiations, insisting on the most pedantic points, accusing the U.S. of bad faith, and starting with outlandish demands that, if the U.S. were to satisfy them, would have amounted to capitulation. —Niall Ferguson, The Atlantic, 10 Dec. 2024

But Ukraine says such terms would amount to an unacceptable capitulation. —Dmitry Antonov, USA TODAY, 25 Nov. 2024

One unfortunate example here is Olaf Scholz’ moral capitulation in calling Russia’s president last week, ostensibly to lay the groundwork for a peace deal. —Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024

But for Michael and Tanya Trotter, leaning into country music custom wasn’t mere capitulation. —Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 6 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see capitulate

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1