PsychologyJuly 25, 2026
abdication
ab-di-KAY-shun
Definition
The act of formally relinquishing or failing to fulfill a responsibility, duty, or power that one is expected to uphold.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'abdicare', meaning 'to disavow' or 'renounce', which combines 'ab-' (away) and 'dicare' (to proclaim or dedicate).
In the news
The author contrasts individual responsibility with 'institutional abdication,' arguing that workplaces fail their employees when they shift the burden of systemic health issues onto individuals.
Beyond Self-Care: Workplace Approaches to Mental Health
Read the full article ↗psychologytoday.com