capitulation

noun

ca·​pit·​u·​la·​tion kə-ˌpi-chə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce capitulation (audio)
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

Examples of capitulation in a Sentence

her sudden capitulation surprised everyone; she usually debated for hours
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This belief system views pluralism as weakness, compromise as betrayal, and coexistence as capitulation. Art Jipson, The Conversation, 8 July 2025 The Dodgers were studiously vague in last week’s capitulation, er, announcement of $1 million in good will payments. Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2025 The American attack could indeed lead to Iranian capitulation on terms friendly to Israel and the United States. Ilan Goldenberg, Foreign Affairs, 22 June 2025 Ukraine refuses to surrender its sovereignty; Russia will not accept anything less than Ukrainian capitulation. Michael Carpenter, Foreign Affairs, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for capitulation

Word History

Etymology

see capitulate

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of capitulation was in 1535

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Cite this Entry

“Capitulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/capitulation. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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