'abdicate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'abdicare,' where 'ab-' meant 'away' and 'dicare' meant 'to proclaim.'

'abdicare' transformed into the French word 'abdiquer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'abdicate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to disown or renounce,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to formally relinquish a position of power.'