succumb

[suh-kuhm]

verb (used without object)

1. to give way to superior force; yield.

   to succumb to despair.

   Synonyms: surrender, accede, submit

2. to yield to disease, wounds, old age, etc.; die.

succumb

/ səˈkʌm /

verb

1. to give way in face of the overwhelming force (of) or desire (for)

2. to be fatally overwhelmed (by disease, old age, etc); die (of)

Other Word Forms

• succumber noun
• unsuccumbing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of succumb¹

First recorded in 1480–90; from Latin succumbere, from suc- suc- + -cumbere (derivative of cubāre “to lie down, recline”); incumbent

Word History and Origins

Origin of succumb¹

C15: from Latin succumbere to be overcome, from _sub- + -cumbere from cubāre to lie down

Example Sentences

It’s harder to succumb to this temptation—or, at least, it’s more awkward—under someone’s judging eye.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Still, with concerns about the central bank’s autonomy already elevated, the move could heighten worries that it may “eventually succumb” to political pressure and ease monetary policy more than economic conditions warrant, he added.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“Don’t pay that fool any mind. Even gods can succumb to the disease of ignorance.”

Read more on Literature

On cue, the three older children dashed to their mother’s side, weeping and begging her not to succumb.

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In order to keep Franklin’s officers and men from succumbing to boredom during their long winter months in the ice, the Erebus and the Terror each had libraries containing some three thousand books.

Read more on Literature

Related Words

• bow 
• break down 
• buckle 
• capitulate 
• cave in 
• cease 
• defer 
• give in 
• give way 
• go down 
• pass away 
• perish 
• quit 
• wilt 
• yield