abdication Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a formal resignation and renunciation of powers
    stepping down.
  2. noun the act of abdicating
    stepping down.

WordNet

Ab`di*ca"tion noun
Etymology
L. abdicatio: cf. F. abdication.
Definitions
  1. The act of abdicating; the renunciation of a high office, dignity, or trust, by its holder; commonly the voluntary renunciation of sovereign power; as, abdication of the throne, government, power, authority.

Webster 1913