capitulation
The act of surrendering or ceasing to resist
Examples
In a meeting
“Their capitulation on the budget terms surprised everyone in the negotiation.”
Over coffee
“His capitulation to his toddler's demands just teaches bad habits.”
Why this word
surrender
Capitulation emphasizes yielding on terms or conditions after resistance, while surrender is giving up generally
submission
Capitulation implies formally ceasing resistance and accepting terms, while submission is yielding to authority
defeat
Capitulation is the act of yielding or giving in, while defeat is the state of being beaten
Usage tip
Use to describe a complete surrender, not a compromise—implies one side gave up entirely
Etymology
Latin — from 'capitulare' (to draw up under headings), from 'capitulum' (chapter), evolved to mean surrender terms
Get a new word every morning
One precise word per day. Under 60 seconds to read. Free forever.
Related words
contradict
To state the opposite or deny the truth of something
pushback
Resistance or objection to an idea or plan
appease
To pacify or satisfy someone by giving in to their demands
impasse
A deadlock where no progress is possible
conciliatory
Intended to gain goodwill or reduce hostility
defuse
To reduce the danger or tension in a situation