capitulate
What does "capitulate" mean?
To capitulate means to surrender or cease resisting an opponent or demand. The mental image is of someone lowering their weapons or raising a white flag after realizing that further resistance is futile or too costly. While it is a formal term, it is often used in both political contexts and everyday discussions about negotiations. It implies a sense of giving in, often reluctantly, after a period of struggle or pressure.
"capitulate" in conversation
Workplace negotiation
Are we going to keep fighting for this budget increase?
Are we going to keep fighting for this budget increase?
No, I think we have to capitulate to their demands or we'll lose the contract.
No, I think we have to capitulate to their demands or we'll lose the contract.
Used to describe giving in to business pressure.
Discussing a game
I thought you were going to hold that position until the end.
I thought you were going to hold that position until the end.
I had to capitulate once I ran out of ammunition.
I had to capitulate once I ran out of ammunition.
Used here in a gaming context for conceding defeat.
"capitulate" in a sentence
The small team decided to capitulate.
The small team decided to capitulate.
The government refused to capitulate to the protesters' demands.
The government refused to capitulate to the protesters' demands.
After weeks of intense debate, the opposition finally capitulated to the majority's proposed amendments.
After weeks of intense debate, the opposition finally capitulated to the majority's proposed amendments.
