succumb

American  

[suh-kuhm] / səˈkʌm /

verb (used without object)

1. to give way to superior force; yield.

   to succumb to despair.

   Synonyms:

   surrender , accede , submit

2. to yield to disease, wounds, old age, etc.; die.

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succumb British  

/ səˈkʌm /

verb

1. to give way in face of the overwhelming force (of) or desire (for)

2. to be fatally overwhelmed (by disease, old age, etc); die (of)

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Other Word Forms

• succumber noun
• unsuccumbing adjective

Etymology

Origin of succumb

First recorded in 1480–90; from Latin succumbere, from suc- suc- + -cumbere (derivative of cubāre “to lie down, recline”); incumbent

Example Sentences

He is of sound mind, but he might succumb to someone who offers him companionship, and helps him with his physical needs until he passes, possibly in the next few years.

From MarketWatch

The island’s other, undamaged, reactor restarted in 1985 but ultimately succumbed to market forces.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Scots quickly succumbed to disease and malnutrition as their crops failed.

From The Wall Street Journal

There was no way Iamaleava could grit his way to victory, the Bruins eventually succumbing during a 29-10 loss to the Trojans in which their quarterback was sacked four times — all in the second half.

From Los Angeles Times

There is no shame in succumbing to PSG's quality in the manner they did.

From BBC

Related Words

• bow
• break down
• buckle
• capitulate
• cave in
• cease
• defer
• give in
• give way
• go down
• pass away
• perish
• quit
• wilt
• yield