Capitulate

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