Vocabulary Builder — Essay & Answer Writing
Capitulate
verb
/ kuh-PICH-yuh-layt /
Medium
Meaning
To cease resisting an opponent or an unwelcome demand; to yield or surrender under pressure after a period of resistance.
Origin / Etymology
Medieval Latin capitulare (to draw up terms in chapters), from capitulum (chapter, division) — referring to drawing up surrender terms
Synonyms
Surrender
Yield
Concede
Antonyms
Resist
Persist
Prevail
Example Sentence
"Sri Lanka was forced to capitulate to IMF conditionalities in 2022, agreeing to sweeping fiscal consolidation measures and privatisation of state enterprises in exchange for a USD 2.9 billion bailout."
🎯 UPSC Usage
Use in GS2 International Relations answers when describing countries yielding to diplomatic or economic pressure, signing unfavourable agreements, or accepting conditionalities. Also applicable in GS3 when discussing India's negotiating stance in trade or climate agreements.
Relevant Subjects