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abdicate

ab·di·cate [ ábdi kàyt ] (past and past participle ab·di·cat·ed, present participle ab·di·cat·ing, 3rd person present singular ab·di·cates)

verb

Definition:

1. transitive and intransitive verb resign position: to give up a high office formally or officially, especially the throne

2. transitive verb neglect duty: to fail to fulfill a duty or responsibility

The company seems to have abdicated all responsibility for the damage.

[Mid-16th century. < Latin abdicat-, past participle of abdicare "renounce" < dicare "proclaim"]

ab·di·ca·tion [ àbdi káysh'n ] noun

ab·di·ca·tor [ ábdi kàytər ] noun

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