cede
Americanverb (used with object)
verb
-
to transfer, make over, or surrender (something, esp territory or legal rights)
the lands were ceded by treaty
-
(tr) to allow or concede (a point in an argument, etc)
Other Word Forms
- ceder noun
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."
Vocabulary lists containing cede
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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.
Maine faces a straightforward choice: compete for this investment or cede it to others.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026
These descriptions do not suggest in any way that Congress “intended to cede its taxing power.”
From Slate • Mar. 4, 2026
One reason the U.S. is seen as likely to cede ground is the leverage External link Beijing has shown as it and Washington spar over trade.
From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026
Holloway, a former army officer, said the deal to cede the islands to Mauritius was "completely crazy".
From BBC • Feb. 19, 2026
Hollander’s essay and the comments of Lethem and Plagens cede ground and seem to grant that art and literature are too soft to withstand scientific examination.
From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
