proceed

American  

[pruh-seed, proh-seed] / prəˈsid, ˈproʊ sid /

verb (used without object)

1. to move or go forward or onward, especially after stopping.

   Synonyms:

   continue, progress

   Antonyms:

   recede

2. to carry on or continue any action or process.

3. to go on to do something.

4. to continue one's discourse.

5. Law.

   1. to begin and carry on a legal action.

   2. to take legal action (usually followed byagainst ).

6. to be carried on, as an action or process.

7. to go or come forth; issue (often followed byfrom ).

   Synonyms:

   emanate

8. to arise, originate, or result (usually followed byfrom ).

   Synonyms:

   ensue, spring

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noun

1. proceeds,

   1. something that results or accrues.

   2. the total amount derived from a sale or other transaction.

      The proceeds from the deal were divided equally among us.

   3. the profits or returns from a sale, investment, etc.

2. Archaic. proceeds.

proceed British  

/ prəˈsiːd /

verb

1. (often foll by to) to advance or carry on, esp after stopping

2. (often foll by with) to undertake and continue (something or to do something)

   he proceeded with his reading

3. (often foll by against) to institute or carry on a legal action

4. to emerge or originate; arise

   evil proceeds from the heart

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Related Words

See advance.

Other Word Forms

• proceeder noun
• reproceed verb (used without object)

Etymology

Origin of proceed

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English procede, from Latin prōcēdere; see pro- ¹, cede

Explanation

To proceed means to go or continue forward. But somehow "ready, set, proceed!" doesn't quite have the same ring to it. From the Latin procedere, meaning “go forward, advance,” proceed is a verb that simply means to keep going, particularly after there’s been an interruption. Synonyms include progress and advance. People who constantly interrupt make it really difficult for the conversation to proceed smoothly. And proceed with caution when crossing a busy street, but if the light turns red, you better move it fast!

Example Sentences

"Safety is our highest priority further rotations should proceed with extreme caution and at your own risk."

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

After inviting public feedback on the proposal, Parks Canada decided to proceed.

From Slate • Apr. 28, 2026

“Always obey posted signals, stop when required, and ensure it is safe to proceed before crossing tracks,” the Police Department said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 27, 2026

But in 2024 a judge threw out the charges against Welsh Carson, while letting the charges against the company proceed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

“I don’t know,” Ranofer answered, realizing for the first time that he had no idea of how to proceed.

From "The Golden Goblet" by Eloise Jarvis McGraw

Related Words

• advance
• continue
• get
• go ahead
• go on
• pass
• press on
• progress
• travel