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

And because his ex-wife was still on both the mortgage documents and the property deeds, he was also unable to sell the property to cover the outstanding amount.

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“You mean, like being nice and doing good deeds?”

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The crowd was taught to cross their arms to signal disapproval for bad deeds, such as sharing disinformation online.

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You could create a “life estate” or “right of occupancy” deed.

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A transfer-on-death deed means your friend’s house becomes her son’s after her passing, if she names him on that document.

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Related Words

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