capitulate to pressure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capitulate to pressure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone yields or surrenders to external demands or influences. Example: "After much deliberation, the company decided to capitulate to pressure from the public and change its policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Instead, Mr. Zumwinkel, one of Germany's most influential industrialists, had to capitulate to pressure from investors and his bankers, who were able to sell very few shares at those prices.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The horse racing industry won't capitulate to pressures of animal welfare lobbying – it needs the wider public to join in too until it hits them where it hurts.

Independent

On Friday, House Republicans excoriated Democrats for capitulating to pressure from state labor unions.

The New York Times

Some commentators have presented the ivory burn as an example of an African country capitulating to pressure from "outsiders".

The Guardian

Caryl Churchill London We note with regret that the University of Southampton has shamefully capitulated to pressure from the pro-Israel lobby and cancelled an international academic conference.

The Guardian

But in cutting rates, after repeatedly saying that it would wait and see, the central bank seemed to be capitulating to pressure.

The New York Times

"What it says would be troubling for any journalist," Fainaru-Wada said, referring to the report that ESPN capitulated to pressure from the N.F.L. "At the same time, it remains clear that so far nothing has been changed.

The New York Times - Sports

First, Film4, which had signed her up to adapt the novel in 2001, was brutally downsized, and then the company's new head, Tessa Ross, capitulated to pressure from some major Hollywood players, including Steven Spielberg, to think bigger.

The Guardian - Film

Whatever one's individual views about the Armenian genocide issue, all Americans should be disturbed that the Clinton administration has capitulated to pressure by a foreign state and then prevailed upon Congress to do the same.

The New York Times

Indeed, the battle within OPEC was as much political as economic, and much of the debate was over whether the group would be capitulating to pressure from the United States for lower oil prices.

The New York Times

The bank also does not like the appearance of capitulating to pressure from political leaders in the 12 countries in the euro zone, for which it sets monetary policy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "capitulate to pressure", ensure the context clearly identifies the source of the pressure and the entity that is yielding. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid vague references to "pressure" without specifying its origin. For example, instead of saying "The company capitulated to pressure", clarify with "The company capitulated to pressure from investors".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capitulate to pressure" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action of yielding or surrendering to external influence. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness, highlighting its usage in describing situations where individuals or entities concede to demands.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

13%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "capitulate to pressure" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe yielding to external forces. Ludwig AI confirms this, offering numerous examples from reliable sources. Usage analysis shows it's most frequently found in news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki contexts. While generally neutral in register, its specific connotations can shift with the context. When using the phrase, ensure the source of pressure is clear to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "yield to pressure" or "give in to pressure" can provide slightly different nuances. All in all, "capitulate to pressure" is a valuable phrase for describing moments of concession, provided it's used with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yield to pressure

Focuses on surrendering or giving way under duress.

give in to pressure

Emphasizes succumbing or relenting to persistent demands.

succumb to pressure

Highlights a more passive acceptance of overwhelming influence.

bow to pressure

Implies a formal or deferential yielding to authority or influence.

submit to pressure

Indicates a formal acceptance of control or demands.

cave in to pressure

Suggests a breaking point where resistance is no longer possible.

defer to pressure

Highlights prioritizing someone else's decision due to influence.

surrender to pressure

Conveys a complete relinquishment of control or resistance.

acquiesce to pressure

Implies reluctant agreement without protest.

knuckle under to pressure

Suggests begrudgingly submitting to a difficult or oppressive force.

FAQs

What does "capitulate to pressure" mean?

The phrase "capitulate to pressure" means to surrender or give in to demands, influence, or force exerted by someone or something else.

How can I use "capitulate to pressure" in a sentence?

You can use "capitulate to pressure" to describe a situation where an individual, group, or organization yields to external demands. For example, "The government chose to "yield to pressure" from the public and revised the policy".

What are some alternatives to "capitulate to pressure"?

Some alternatives include "give in to pressure", "succumb to pressure", or "bow to pressure", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to "capitulate to pressure" or resist?

Whether it's better to "capitulate to pressure" or resist depends entirely on the context. Sometimes yielding can prevent greater harm, while other times resistance is necessary to uphold principles or prevent exploitation. Consider the ethical implications and potential outcomes of each choice.