Abdicate

Verb (used without object)

to renounce or relinquish a throne, right, power, claim, responsibility, or the like, esp. in a formal manner

The aging founder of the firm decided to abdicate.

Verb (used with object)

to give up or renounce (authority, duties, an office, etc.), esp. in a voluntary, public, or formal manner

King Edward VIII of England abdicated the throne in 1936.

Antonyms

verb

assert , assume , challenge , claim , defend , defy , hold , maintain , remain , retain , treasure , usurp

Synonyms

verb

abandon , abjure , abnegate , bag it , bail out * , cede , demit , drop , forgo , give up , leave , leave high and dry , leave holding the bag , leave in the lurch , opt out , quit , quitclaim , relinquish , renounce , resign , retire , sell out * , step down , surrender , vacate , waive , withdraw , yield , forswear , hand over , render , forego