abdicate
Meaning
to give up a position of power or authority, especially that of a king or queen
to fail to do what is required by a duty or responsibility
Structure
Usage
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.
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
ab- (latin prefix meaning 'away from'); dic- (latin root 'dicere' meaning 'to say, to declare'); -ate (latin verb-forming suffix)