Abdicate, renounce and resign all mean to give up formally or definitely.
Abdicate implies a giving up of sovereign power or sometimes an evading of responsibility such as that of a parent.
- She was forced to abdicate the throne of Spain.
- Many parents simply abdicate all responsibility for their children.
Renounce may be chosen when the sacrifice, especially to some higher or moral end, is stressed.
- The treaties renounce the use of force and pledge the two countries to co-operation.
Resign applies especially to the giving up of an unexpired office or trust.
- A hospital administrator has resigned over claims he lied to get the job.