VocabDictionary

succumb

/səˈkʌm/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.verb

Fail to resist pressure, temptation, or some other negative force.

Example Sentences:
  • She finally succumbed to temptation and ate the last slice of chocolate cake.
  • He succumbed to peer pressure and joined the rebellion.
2.verb

Die from a disease, injury, or old age.

Example Sentences:
  • Thousands of patients succumbed to the flu during the severe winter outbreak.
  • Injured in the crash, he succumbed to his wounds hours later.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “succumb”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Late Middle English: from Old French succomber, or Latin succumbere, from sub- 'from below' + cumbere 'to lie down'.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

SUCCUMB sounds like 'sub-come', as in you come under pressure and yield.

Frequently Asked Questions About “succumb

1. What is the meaning of “succumb” in English?

In English, succumb (verb) is defined as: “Fail to resist pressure, temptation, or some other negative force.”.

2. How do you use “succumb” in a sentence?

She finally succumbed to temptation and ate the last slice of chocolate cake.

3. What are English synonyms of “succumb”?

Common synonyms include:yield,surrender,capitulate,submit

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “succumb”?

Late Middle English: from Old French succomber, or Latin succumbere, from sub- 'from below' + cumbere 'to lie down'.