Abdication

First attested in 1552. From Latin abdicÄtiÅ ("renunciation"), from abdicÅ

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. Compare French abdication below.

Full definition of abdication

(plural abdications)

(obsolete) The act of disowning or disinheriting a child. Attested from the mid 16^th century until the mid 17^th century.

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The act of abdicating; the renunciation of a high office, dignity, or trust, by its holder. First attested in the early 17^th century.
The voluntary renunciation of sovereign power; as, abdication of the throne, government, power, authority. First attested in the late 17^th century.
(obsolete, legal) The renunciation of interest in a property or a legal claim; abandonment. Attested only in the mid 18^th century.
(obsolete) The action of being deposed from the seat of power. Attested only in the mid 17^th century.