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 Word Forms

• deedless adjective
• redeed verb (used with object)
• undeeded 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

“I place my trust in the merits of my good deeds,” he says, adding that friendly locals have tipped him off whenever police came close to where he was hiding.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Under the provisions of a 1925 deed when the church was founded, the building must operate as a church, or it would revert to the Burton estate.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

However much they disagree with each other in word, in deed they both seem willing to tolerate inflation above the Fed’s stated 2% target.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

His father followed behind, boarding an overnight bus to the capital, and carrying the family’s land title deed to post bond.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In good Dada and Pop art-style, the work’s title turns out to be a pun: A deed is not just a real estate certificate but an endeavor that one has undertaken.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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