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Synonyms

cede

American  
[seed] / sid /

verb (used with object)

ceded, ceding
  1. to yield or formally surrender to another.

    to cede territory.

    Synonyms:
    convey, transfer, grant, abandon, relinquish

cede British  
/ siːd /

verb

  1. to transfer, make over, or surrender (something, esp territory or legal rights)

    the lands were ceded by treaty

  2. (tr) to allow or concede (a point in an argument, etc)

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of cede

First recorded in 1625–35, cede is from the Latin word cēdere “to go, yield”

Explanation

To cede is to give up or surrender land, position, or authority. "She reluctantly ceded the coveted position as the baby of the family to her brother when he was born. She would not, however, cede her bedroom to him." Cede is a word often used in discussing diplomatic issues. It is more commonly used in reference to actual physical things, like geographic areas or objects, but can also be used in reference to attitudes or opinions. "The rebels ceded territory after the siege failed." "Dad tried but finally ceded control and let me have my own Facebook account."

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Vocabulary lists containing cede

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

On the evening of Friday 13 November 2015, Theresa Cede - an Austrian mother of two living in Paris - had invited out her friend Stéphane to celebrate his 40th birthday.

From BBC • Sep. 7, 2021

A ribbon reads “Ne Cede Malis,” meaning, “Yield not to evil.”

From New York Times • Jun. 14, 2017

Golden Gopher is the first property of Cede Moses’ 213 Ventures, a group of downtown bars and restaurants.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 8, 2014

As Police Cede Taksim Square, Istanbul Remains On Edge A local protest in a square known for them unexpectedly struck a chord across Turkey.

From Newsweek • Jun. 2, 2013

Cede nouis, nulla non inclyta laude uetustas, Posteritas meritis est quoque grata tuis.

From De Re Metallica, Translated from the First Latin Edition of 1556 by Agricola, Georgius

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