Capitulate
hardNegative tonekuh-PICH-uh-layt
verb
Definition
To surrender or give in, often after resisting
Memory hook
CAPITAL-ATE: the CAPITAL city surrendered — to give up resistance and yield completely.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“After months of siege, the city was forced to capitulate.”
“She refused to capitulate to their unreasonable demands.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“After months of siege, the city was forced to ______.”
Show answer
capitulate
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Capitulate is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "surrender" or "yield" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "resist".
Related GRE Words
accept
To receive willingly; to agree to or consent to something
assent
To express approval or agreement
conciliatory
intended to placate or win goodwill; appeasing
foment
to stir up or instigate (trouble, unrest)
implacable
unable to be appeased or pacified; relentless
nefarious
extremely wicked or villainous
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