Give up the throne (8) Crossword Clue
Answer: ABDICATE (8 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Give up the throne" with 8 letters is "ABDICATE".ABDICATE means to formally give up or renounce a position of power, such as a throne or leadership role. After years of ruling the kingdom, the king decided to abdicate, passing on the crown to his eldest son to live a life of peace and solitude.
Why “Abdicate” Fits
The clue asks for an 8-letter word meaning “give up the throne.” The answer, ABDICATE, fits perfectly:
- Give up the throne: "Abdicate" means to formally relinquish or renounce a position of power, especially when a monarch or ruler gives up the throne or their office.
- Official act: To abdicate is not just to quit, but to step down from a royal or sovereign role, often accompanied by a public or legal announcement.
This definition precisely matches both the clue’s description and the expected answer length.
“Abdicate” has a regal and historical tone:
- Origin: Derived from the Latin “abdicare,” meaning “to disown” or “renounce.”
- Usage: King Edward VIII famously abdicated the British throne in 1936. Monarchs and leaders throughout history have abdicated for reasons of health, politics, or personal choice.
- Other contexts: While most often linked to royalty, “abdicate” can also refer to anyone formally stepping down from a duty or responsibility—but it’s especially tied to the act of quitting a throne.
So “abdicate” naturally bridges the clue’s demand for a formal, regal, and final act of renunciation.
In quick crosswords, clues like “give up the throne (8)”:
- Point to formal or legal language—common verbs like “abdicate,” “resign,” or “retire,” but the letter count (8) singles out “abdicate.”
- Watch for clues relating to royalty or leadership transitions, which almost always use “abdicate” when requiring a long, specific answer.
- When clues ask for relinquishment in a royal context, look for the most precise word, often lifted from historical reference.
Spotting the historical and legal flavor of the clue, as well as the letter count, guides you efficiently to “abdicate.”
