Definitions:

1. Often associated with royalty or formal positions of high authority, to describe the relinquishment of duties or responsibilities. VERB
   • The president abdicated his position after the scandal.
2. Refers to the formal resignation or renunciation of a high office, throne, or position of authority. VERB
   • Faced with mounting pressure, the prime minister chose to abdicate his office.
3. The act of formally relinquishing monarchical authority. VERB
   • The kind decided to abdicate the throne in favor of his son.

Synonyms:

• relinquish
• renounce
• resign
• step down
• surrender