Definition of capitulate

The word "capitulate" has a fascinating origin. It comes from the Latin word "capitulare," which means "to make a treaty or agreement." This Latin term is derived from "capitulum," meaning "head" or "chief," and "capitulare," meaning "to divide" or "to arrange." In the 14th century, the Latin phrase "capitulare" was borrowed into Middle English as "capitulaten," meaning "to make a treaty or agreement." Over time, the spelling and meaning of the word evolved, and by the 16th century, "capitulate" had acquired its modern meaning: "to surrender or give up under pressure, often in favor of a more favorable agreement." Today, the word is used to describe a voluntary surrender, often in military or political contexts.