intransitive verb
to formally relinquish a position of power, a claim, or a right.
The ailing king was advised to abdicate.
transitive verb
1. to relinquish or renounce (a position of power or the like).
The king announced he would abdicate the throne.
2. to refuse to fulfill (a responsibility or the like).
By refusing to carry out the order, the soldier abdicated his duty.