Cede: meaning, definitions and examples

🏳️

Add to dictionary

cede

[siːd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

formal

To formally give up control or power, especially of a country or territory.

Synonyms

relinquish, surrender, yield.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cede	Often used in formal or legal contexts when transferring or giving up control or ownership of something to another party, usually territory or rights. The country decided to cede the disputed region to avoid further conflict. In the treaty, they agreed to cede power to the newly formed government.
surrender	Typically used in contexts involving conflict or struggles, where one party gives up or submits to another, often indicating the end of a struggle. The soldiers were forced to surrender after they were surrounded. He decided to surrender to the police after several days on the run.
relinquish	Commonly used when someone gives up possession, control, or a claim willingly or under pressure. It implies a voluntary act but often under difficult circumstances. She had to relinquish her seat on the board due to health issues. After years of hard work, he finally decided to relinquish control of the company to his son.
yield	Can be used in various contexts, including giving way in traffic, relinquishing control, or producing results. Often suggests giving way either physically or metaphorically. Drivers must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks. After much debate, she decided to yield to the demands of the team.

Examples of usage

The country ceded the territory to its neighbor after losing the war.
The king was forced to cede power to the parliament.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

business

To transfer or assign something, such as rights, property, or responsibilities, to someone else.

Synonyms

assign, delegate, transfer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cede	Utilize 'cede' when implying a formal or reluctant surrender of control, territory, or rights, often in political or legal contexts. The country decided to cede the disputed region to its neighbor after years of conflict The company had to cede some patent rights due to the lawsuit
assign	Employ 'assign' to denote allocating a specific task, role, or resource to someone, often in work or academic settings. The manager will assign the new project to the most experienced team member Students are typically assigned homework to reinforce their learning
transfer	Use 'transfer' when speaking about moving something from one place, person, or thing to another, often in contexts of ownership, position, or location. He decided to transfer his funds to a new bank account The employee was transferred to the New York office last month
delegate	Apply 'delegate' when referring to entrusting a task or responsibility to another person, usually a subordinate, to share the workload. A good leader knows how to delegate responsibilities effectively She chose to delegate the marketing tasks to her assistant

Examples of usage

The CEO decided to cede his position to a younger executive.
The company ceded the project to a more experienced team.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'cedere', meaning 'to go' or 'to yield'.
It has been used in English since the late 14th century, originally referring to legal matters.
The transition into English was influenced by medieval Latin and later by the emergence of legal English.

Politics

Ceding land or power often occurs after treaties, where one side agrees to give away territory as part of a larger agreement.
Historical events like the Louisiana Purchase involved one country ceding territory to another for compensation.
The concept of ceding can also relate to independence movements, where regions may cede from a larger state to form their own nation.

Literature

In Shakespeare's works, themes of ceding power often highlight character flaws and the consequences of yielding control.
The concept of ceding is explored in various forms of literature, often reflecting internal conflicts between ambition and surrender.
Themes of loss and relinquishment can drive narratives, showcasing what characters gain or lose when they decide to cede.

International Relations

International treaties often include provisions for ceding territory or rights, impacting national borders and resources.
The concept is crucial in areas of diplomacy, where the terms of cession can lead to peace or further conflict.
Historical treaties like the Treaty of Versailles involved major powers ceding territories in the aftermath of war.

Psychology

Ceding control can affect an individual's sense of agency and may lead to feelings of vulnerability or empowerment, depending on the context.
Psychological studies suggest that individuals may resist ceding power due to the fear of loss or the desire for control.
Group dynamics often explore how individuals cede influence to leaders, impacting decision-making processes.

Translations

Translations of the word "cede" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ceder

🇮🇳 सौंपना

🇩🇪 abtreten

🇮🇩 menyerahkan

🇺🇦 передавати

🇵🇱 przekazywać

🇯🇵 譲る (ゆずる)

🇫🇷 céder

🇪🇸 ceder

🇹🇷 devretmek

🇰🇷 양도하다 (yangdohada)

🇸🇦 يتنازل

🇨🇿 postoupit

🇸🇰 postúpiť

🇨🇳 让渡 (ràngdù)

🇸🇮 odstopiti

🇮🇸 afhenda

🇰🇿 беру

🇬🇪 დაუთმო

🇦🇿 təslim etmək

🇲🇽 ceder

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,302, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
21299 luscious
21300 counteracted
21301 distension
21302 cede
21303 evaluator
21304 molestation
21305 protrusion
...