Capitulate means to surrenderstop fighting or resisting and accept defeat or control or give in, often after resistingfighting against pressure, change, or an opposing force for a while and sometimes on agreed terms. It is a formal word, especially common in writing about conflict, negotiationsdiscussions between sides trying to reach an agreement, or arguments.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-11-01. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /kə-PICH-uh-layt/
Easy pronunciation: kuh-PICH-uh-layt (approximate spelling).
Stress: Primary stress on the second syllable, PITCH.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-11-01. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Capitulate Meaning
to give in or stop resisting
Part of speech: verb
Definition: to surrender, especially under agreed conditions
Example: After days of pressure, the rebels finally capitulated.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- surrender — Works well when the meaning is to give up to an opponent or authority.
- yield — A good substitute when someone gives way or stops resisting.
- submit — Fits when the meaning is to accept defeat or authority, though it can sound more formal or broader.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-11-01. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Capitulate Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- surrender
- yield
- submit
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-11-01. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Using capitulate to mean simple agreement or compromise; it usually implies giving in after resistance.
- Using capitulate in casual everyday speech when a simpler word like give in is more natural.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-11-01. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does capitulate mean in simple English?
It means to give in, surrender, or stop resisting.
Is capitulate a formal word?
Yes. It is more formal than give in or surrender and is often used in news, history, or serious writing.
What is a synonym for capitulate?
Good synonyms include surrender, yield, and submit, depending on the context.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-11-01. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
