Abdication Meaning in English

word

US

ˌæbdɪˈkeɪʃən

ab-di-KAY-shuhn

UK

ˌæbdɪkˈeɪʃən

ab-di-KAY-shuhn

Definition

Abdication is the act of giving up a position of power or responsibility, especially by a king, queen, or leader. It can also mean choosing to not fulfill a duty.

Usage & Nuances

Mostly formal and used in historical, political, or legal contexts. Often associated with royalty, but can be used for any major surrender of responsibility. Not common in daily speech. Different from 'resignation,' which is used for jobs or positions.

• Spanish: abdicación
• Portuguese (BR): abdicação
• Portuguese (PT): abdicação
• Chinese (Simplified): 退位 - 放弃（责任）
• Chinese (Traditional): 退位 - 放棄（責任）
• Hindi: त्याग (राज गद्दी या जिम्मेदारी का)
• Arabic: تنازل عن العرش - تخلي عن المسؤولية
• Bengali: ত্যাগ - সিংহাসনত্যাগ
• Russian: отречение - отказ (от власти)
• Japanese: 退位 - 放棄（責任）
• Vietnamese: thoái vị - từ bỏ (trách nhiệm)
• Korean: 퇴위 - 포기 (책임)
• Turkish: tahtından feragat - vazgeçme (sorumluluk)
• Urdu: دستبرداری - تخت چھوڑنا
• Indonesian: pengunduran diri (raja) - melepaskan tanggung jawab

Example Sentences

The king's abdication shocked the whole country.

basic

Edward VIII is famous for his abdication in 1936.

basic

Her sudden abdication of responsibility was a surprise.

basic

Rumors of his abdication started months before the announcement.

natural

Many viewed his abdication as an act of love rather than weakness.

natural

There was debate about whether the CEO's decision was true abdication or strategic delegation.

natural