Capitulate: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone gives in to demands or pressure, especially after a long struggle or when the situation seems hopeless.

• After weeks of negotiations, the company finally capitulated to the union's demands

Often used in a military or competitive context indicating giving up or laying down arms. Can also imply giving up control or possession.

• The general ordered his troops to surrender after they were surrounded
• She surrendered her driver's license after the accident

Implies giving way under pressure or influence, often in situations involving competition, traffic, or personal decisions.

• He had to yield to his opponent's superior skill
• Drivers must yield to pedestrians at the crosswalk

Commonly used in formal contexts to admit defeat or to acknowledge something as true after initially denying or resisting it.

• After seeing the evidence, he had to concede that he was wrong
• The politician conceded defeat after the election results were announced

Used to indicate yielding to authority, rules, or a formal process. Often implies willingness or obligation to comply with regulations or higher power.

• All employees must submit their reports by Friday
• He finally decided to submit to the company's new policies

This word is often used in formal or historical contexts, usually implying a more structured or official surrender, often after negotiation.

• After weeks of resistance, the city finally decided to capitulate to the invading forces

Often used in military, conflict, or personal struggle contexts, suggesting giving up control or power to another force. It can carry a formal or informal tone and sometimes has a negative connotation.

• The army had no choice but to surrender to the overwhelming enemy forces

Frequently used in competitive, sports, or political contexts, usually implying accepting loss with reluctance but dignity.

• Despite the close match, he decided to concede defeat with grace

This word is versatile but often used in negotiations, confrontations, or situations where one gives way to another's demand or superior power. It can be neutral or slightly negative in tone.

• After long negotiations, the company decided to yield to the union's demands

Generally used in a general or informal context, this phrase is often used in competitive settings to express admitting loss or failure.

• After the final rounds, she had no choice but to acknowledge defeat

This word is often used when talking about giving up after some form of negotiation or conflict, often with a sense of finality and acceptance of defeat.

• After a long siege, the city finally capitulated to the invading forces
• When negotiations failed, the company had no choice but to capitulate to the union's demands

Used in both formal and informal settings, implying giving way to pressure, force, or arguments. It can also mean to produce or provide results.

• She refused to yield to her opponent's demands
• The field is expected to yield a good harvest this year

This word is typically used in the context of giving up in a conflict or battle, often with a connotation of complete defeat.

• The soldiers were ordered to surrender unconditionally
• Faced with overwhelming odds, the rebels decided to surrender

This word is usually used in formal or official contexts, particularly when someone agrees to a request or accepts a position of power.

• After much pressure, the CEO acceded to the board's request for a meeting
• She acceded to the throne after her father's death

Often used in situations where someone admits defeat or acknowledges something unwillingly, possibly after some resistance.

• After hours of debate, he finally conceded that he might be wrong
• The politician conceded the election after it became clear she could not win