The Open Dictionary

abdication

noun

UK/ˌæb.dɪˈkeɪ.ʃᵊn/
US/ˌæb.dəˈkeɪ.ʃᵊn/

Definitions of abdication noun

  1. Uncountable

    The act of relinquishing control or responsibility over something one is in charge of.

    • The committee refuted claims that their decision constituted a shirking of their duties.

    • It's hard to envision a more blatant evasion of responsibility than this action.

    • The management's actions could be interpreted as an abdication of their responsibilities.

  2. Uncountable

    The formal act of a monarch relinquishing their position as king or queen.

    • King Edward VIII chose abdication due to his romance with Wallis Simpson.

    • The queen announced her abdication in a national broadcast.

    • The king was compelled to abdicate due to his failing health.