abdication

Plural: abdications

Noun

• a formal resignation and renunciation of powers
• the act of abdicating
• The act of disowning or disinheriting a child.
• The act of abdicating; the renunciation of a high office, dignity, or trust, by its holder.
• The voluntary renunciation of sovereign power.
• The renunciation of interest in a property or a legal claim; abandonment.
• The action of being deposed from the seat of power.

Examples

• abdication of the throne, government, power, authority
• the king’s abdication

Synonyms

stepping down