deed

[ deed ]

noun

1. something that is done, performed, or accomplished; an act:

   Do a good deed every day.

2. an exploit or achievement; feat:

   brave deeds.

3. Often deeds. an act or gesture, especially as illustrative of intentions, one's character, or the like:

   Her deeds speak for themselves.

4. Law. a writing or document executed under seal and delivered to effect a conveyance, especially of real estate.

verb (used with object)

1. to convey or transfer by deed.

deed

/ diːd /

noun

1. something that is done or performed; act
2. a notable achievement; feat; exploit
3. action or performance, as opposed to words
4. law a formal legal document signed, witnessed, and delivered to effect a conveyance or transfer of property or to create a legal obligation or contract

verb

1. tr to convey or transfer (property) by deed

Other Words From

• deedless adjective
• re·deed verb (used with object)
• un·deeded adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of deed¹

before 900; Middle English dede, Old English dēd, variant of dǣd; cognate with German Tat, Gothic gadēths; do ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of deed¹

Old English dēd; related to Old High German tāt, Gothic gadeths; see do ¹

Synonym Study

See action.

Example Sentences

Domna realizing that it is she who must perform or plan the deed would have done just that.

From Salon

He explained that after the deed was done, he was told to load the corpse into an oven for cremation, but his hands were shaking and he was unable to walk unaided.

From BBC

The couple said they recently learned from the Land Registry that their name is not on the title deeds for the property because FirstPort has not provided the correct information.

From BBC

The cowardice of the press to compare Trump to fascist leaders of yesteryear has helped to normalize his words and deeds.

From Salon

“The adults brought this child along to do a bad deed, and let her suffer all the consequences.”

From BBC

Related Words

• accomplishment
• act
• action
• adventure
• fact
• feat
• reality
• truth