Resign from the throne (8) Crossword Clue
Answer: ABDICATE (8 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Resign from the throne" with 8 letters is "ABDICATE".Abdicate means to formally relinquish or resign from a position of power or authority, especially the throne, as a monarch or ruler. It signifies a voluntary renouncement of one's duties and responsibilities, often due to personal reasons or a shift in power.
Why “Abdicate” Fits
The clue asks for a single word (8 letters) meaning “resign from the throne.” The answer, ABDICATE, fits exactly:
- Resign from the throne: Abdicate means to formally give up one’s royal position, throne, or authority, most often used with kings and queens.
- Direct match: With 8 letters, abdicate perfectly fits the enumeration.
- Precise meaning: It is the official term used when a monarch steps down, making it the most accurate answer for the clue.
The word abdicate is strongly tied to monarchy and legal resignation:
- Origin and usage: From Latin abdicare, meaning “to renounce” or “to disown.” It entered English in the 16th century, often used in political and royal contexts.
- Historical instances: A famous example is King Edward VIII of Britain, who abdicated in 1936 to marry Wallis Simpson.
- Examples: “The king decided to abdicate in favor of his son,” or “He abdicated responsibility for the project.” In both cases, the meaning is stepping down or renouncing authority.
In quick crosswords, clues like “resign from the throne (8)” usually point to very specific formal terms:
- Alternatives like resign (6) or relinquish (10) don’t match the enumeration or the special royal context.
- With exactly 8 letters and a formal link to monarchy, abdicate stands out as the only correct solution.
- Crosswords often prefer precise terms over broader synonyms, which makes abdicate the textbook answer here.
