Capitulate
/kəˈpɪt.jʊ.leɪt/noun
To cease to resist an opponent or surrender under agreed conditions.
Did you know?The term has roots in medieval warfare, referring to the formal terms of surrender, often negotiated with specific 'heads' or articles of agreement.
Etymological Timeline
Late Latin
Latin
capitulat-
“To draw up a head or chapter (of terms).”
12th Century
Old French
capituler
“To negotiate or arrange terms of surrender.”
Early 16th Century
Middle English
capitulate
“To surrender under specific terms.”
Modern English
English
capitulate
“To cease resistance and accept terms of surrender.”
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