abdicate
UK[ˈæbdɪkeɪt]US[ˈæbdɪkeɪt]
v
to give up a position of power or authority, especially that of a king or queen
v
to fail to do what is required by a duty or responsibility
Morpheme Breakdown
ab
dic
ate
ab
away
dic
say/declare
ate
verb suffix
Etymology
the word 'abdicate' has a literal meaning of 'to declare away'. it originates from the latin verb 'abdicare', a compound of 'ab-' (away) and 'dicare' (to proclaim, dedicate). in roman law, this term was used specifically for a magistrate or emperor formally renouncing his office. the semantic logic evolved from the act of making a formal declaration to step away from a position, which narrowed in english to signify the renunciation of sovereign power or, by extension, the abandonment of any high duty or responsibility.
Analysis
Structure: ab (away) + dic (say/declare) + ate (verb suffix)
ab- (latin prefix meaning 'away from'); dic- (latin root 'dicere' meaning 'to say, to declare'); -ate (latin verb-forming suffix)
Examples
the king was forced to abdicate the throne following the revolution.
she abdicated all responsibility for the project's failure.
the aging emperor abdicated in favor of his son.