Kenneth G. Wilson (1923–). The Columbia Guide to Standard American English. 1993.
abdicate, abrogate, arrogate (vv.)
To abdicate is “to give up a high position such as a kingship,” as in Edward VIII abdicated the British throne, or “to give up a right or fail to exercise a responsibility,” as in He abdicated his responsibility and let his family fend for itself. To abrogate is “to repeal, cancel, or annul an agreement or treaty,” as in The dictator abrogated agreements that no longer suited his purposes. To arrogate is “to seize or appropriate wrongly to yourself,” as in The general arrogated all civilian authority to himself, or “to attribute without reason” or “to ascribe as to a source,” as in He arrogated to the prince several inflammatory statements, each suitable as a basis for opening hostilities.
