capitulate

UK: kəˈpɪtʃʊleɪt | US: kəˈpɪtʃʊleɪt

Definition
  1. vi. to surrender under agreed conditions; yield after negotiation

  2. vi. to cease resisting; acquiesce

Structure
capit <head>ulate <verb suffix>
Etymology

capitulate = capit<head> + ulate<verb suffix>

  • capit<head> (from Latin caput, meaning "head," often symbolizing terms or agreements)
  • ulate<verb suffix> (Latin -ulatus, forming verbs denoting action)

Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin capitulare ("to draw up under headings"), capitulate originally referred to negotiating surrender terms listed in chapters (headings). Over time, it narrowed to mean yielding under such terms. The morpheme capit reflects the symbolic importance of the "head" in formal agreements, while -ulate marks it as an action.

Examples
  1. The rebels were forced to capitulate after months of siege.

  2. He refused to capitulate to pressure from his opponents.

  3. The army capitulated under the condition of safe passage.

  4. Negotiations failed, leaving them no choice but to capitulate.

  5. She saw compromise as a form of capitulation, not wisdom.