cede
Americanverb (used with object)
verb
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to transfer, make over, or surrender (something, esp territory or legal rights)
the lands were ceded by treaty
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(tr) to allow or concede (a point in an argument, etc)
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Conjugated Forms
Present
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has cededperfect 3rd person singular
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have cededperfect
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am cedingprogressive 1st person singular
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are cedingprogressive
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cedessingular 3rd person
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is cedingprogressive 3rd person singular
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have been cedingperfect progressive
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cedingparticiple
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has been cedingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
Past
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had cededperfect
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was cedingprogressive singular
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had been cedingperfect progressive
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cededparticiple
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cededsimple
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were cedingprogressive plural
Future
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.
The presentation marked Apple CEO Tim Cook's final appearance at the company's annual Worldwide developers conference -- Cook will cede the reins to longtime executive John Ternus in September.
From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026
Such conditions typically include requirements that the buyers cede control of certain parts of the combined railroad and concessions that allow other rail carriers access to its rail lines and facilities.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026
In doing so, he struck a delicate balance, as he had to shift production in a way that didn’t alienate Chinese consumers or cede market share to domestic Chinese competitors.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026
They only lead on goal difference and will cede top spot if Hearts, who had led since September, avoid defeat at bottom side Livingston on Sunday.
From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026
It helps to keep in mind that all but four end with cede.
From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner
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.
