Definition of: abdicate

(ab′də·kāt) v. ·cat·ed, ·cat·ing v.t.
To give up formally; renounce, as claims to or possession of a throne, power, or rights.
—v.i. To renounce a throne, power, or rights: His subjects forced the king to abdicate. See synonyms under ABANDON. [<L abdicatus, pp. of abdicare renounce < ab- away + dicare proclaim]
—ab·di·ca·ble (ab′di·kə·bəl) adjective
—ab′di·ca′tion noun
—ab′di·ca′tor n.