proceed

[pruh-seed, proh-seed]

verb (used without object)

1. to move or go forward or onward, especially after stopping.

   Synonyms: continue, progress
   Antonyms: recede

2. to carry on or continue any action or process.

3. to go on to do something.

4. to continue one's discourse.

5. Law.

   1. to begin and carry on a legal action.

   2. to take legal action (usually followed byagainst ).

6. to be carried on, as an action or process.

7. to go or come forth; issue (often followed byfrom ).

   Synonyms: emanate

8. to arise, originate, or result (usually followed byfrom ).

   Synonyms: ensue, spring

noun

1. proceeds,

   1. something that results or accrues.

   2. the total amount derived from a sale or other transaction.

      The proceeds from the deal were divided equally among us.

   3. the profits or returns from a sale, investment, etc.

2. Archaic.,  proceeds.

proceed

/ prəˈsiːd /

verb

1. (often foll by to) to advance or carry on, esp after stopping

2. (often foll by with) to undertake and continue (something or to do something)

   he proceeded with his reading

3. (often foll by against) to institute or carry on a legal action

4. to emerge or originate; arise

   evil proceeds from the heart

Other Word Forms

• proceeder noun
• reproceed verb (used without object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of proceed¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English procede, from Latin prōcēdere; pro- ¹, cede

Word History and Origins

Origin of proceed¹

C14: from Latin prōcēdere to advance, from _pro- ¹ + cēdere to go

Synonym Study

See advance.

Example Sentences

Phillipson said ministers were "deeply disappointed that the case hasn't proceeded" and insisted the Crown Prosecution Service was "best placed to explain why it was not able to bring forward a prosecution".

Read more on BBC

They are waiting several days to assess the situation before deciding how to proceed, he added.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

An agreement could be reached at any time, abruptly ending court proceedings.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In a similar case challenging Bovino’s approach in Los Angeles, the Supreme Court allowed his operation to continue while the lawsuit proceeds.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The Editors Guild of India strongly condemned the exclusion and said: "Whether or not the MEA coordinated the event, it is deeply troubling that such a discriminatory exclusion was allowed to proceed without objection."

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• advance 
• continue 
• get 
• go ahead 
• go on 
• pass 
• press on 
• progress 
• travel