capitulate
Meaning: To cease resisting and surrender to an opponent or demand, often after prolonged negotiation or conflict.
Capitulate is stronger than simply agreeing — it implies giving in completely, usually after a sustained struggle. It is most commonly found in political, military, and business contexts. Unlike 'compromise,' capitulation suggests one side has entirely given way rather than meeting in the middle.
Examples
- The government capitulated to union demands after three weeks of industrial action brought the transport network to a standstill. 在三周的罢工导致交通网络瘫痪之后,政府向工会的要求屈服了。El gobierno capituló ante las exigencias sindicales después de que tres semanas de acción industrial paralizaran la red de transporte.3週間のストライキで交通網が麻痺した後、政府は労働組合の要求に屈服した。3주간의 파업으로 교통망이 마비된 후, 정부는 노동조합의 요구에 굴복했다.
- Rather than capitulate to the hostile takeover bid, the board chose to pursue a merger with a friendlier partner. 董事会没有屈从于敌意收购要约,而是选择与一个更友好的合作伙伴进行合并。En lugar de capitular ante la oferta de adquisición hostil, el consejo optó por buscar una fusión con un socio más afín.敵対的買収提案に屈するのではなく、取締役会はより友好的なパートナーとの合併を選択した。적대적 인수 제안에 굴복하기보다는, 이사회는 보다 우호적인 파트너와의 합병을 추진하기로 했다.
- The besieged garrison capitulated when their supplies ran out and no reinforcements arrived. 被围困的守军在物资耗尽且援军未到的情况下投降了。La guarnición sitiada capituló cuando se agotaron los suministros y no llegaron refuerzos.包囲された守備隊は、物資が尽き援軍も到着しなかったため降伏した。포위된 수비대는 보급품이 바닥나고 지원군도 도착하지 않자 항복했다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: journalism, politics, military
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Medieval Latin capitulare (to draw up in chapters or terms), from capitulum (chapter, heading). Originally referred to negotiating terms of surrender, entering English in the 16th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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