capitular

To capitulate or surrender, typically after negotiating terms — a fortress or army capitula (comes to terms and surrenders) rather than simply giving up unconditionally. The word comes from capítulo (chapter/article), since surrender terms were traditionally laid out article by article.

• La ciudad capituló tras meses de asedio. — The city capitulated after months of siege.
• El gobierno se negó a capitular ante las exigencias. — The government refused to capitulate to the demands.
• Finalmente capitularon y firmaron el tratado. — They finally capitulated and signed the treaty.

Capitular implies negotiated terms, not just any kind of losing or giving up — for casually giving up on a personal goal, rendirse or darse por vencido fits better than the more formal, historically loaded capitular.

• politics Capitulaciones de Santa Fe — The April 17, 1492 agreement between the Catholic Monarchs (Isabel and Fernando) and Christopher Columbus, granting him the titles of admiral, viceroy, and governor in exchange for his transatlantic voyage — the document that authorized the voyage leading to Spain's arrival in the Americas. Its name shares the same root as capitular: terms negotiated and laid out chapter by chapter.