Abdicare

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To relinquish a position of authority or power, especially in a formal or ceremonial manner
2. to surrender control or office, particularly in a monarchical context
3. to formally disown or reject responsibilities associated with a role or duty

Etymology: In Latin, "abdicare" meant to disown or renounce, and it was often used of a father who formally rejected a son. The prefix "ab-" means "away" or "off," and "dicare" means "to proclaim" or "to make public," so the literal sense is roughly "to proclaim away." Roman magistrates also used it when they resigned an office, which is the sense that later extended to rulers. The "dicare" element is related to "dedicate" and "indicate," which share the idea of formally declaring or pointing something out. In English, the word first applied to giving up an office or position, and only later became tied specifically to a monarch relinquishing a throne.

Synonyms: resign, renounce, relinquish, give up, waive

Antonyms: retain, keep, claim, assert, maintain