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Succor Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿค
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succor

[หˆsสŒkษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

help or aid

Succor refers to assistance or support given to those in distress or need. It connotes a sense of compassion and the act of providing comfort to someone facing difficulties. This support can come in various forms, from emotional encouragement to practical help. The term is often used in humanitarian contexts, where immediate relief is necessary to alleviate suffering.

Synonyms

aid, assistance, help, relief, support.

Examples of usage

  • The charity provided succor to the victims of the disaster.
  • In times of crisis, succor from friends is invaluable.
  • The organization is dedicated to offering succor to the homeless.
Context #2 | Verb

to assist or aid

To succor means to provide help or relief to someone in need. This action is often driven by empathy and a willingness to support those who are vulnerable or in distress. The verb is utilized in both formal and informal contexts, where someone feels compelled to step in to provide assistance. It encapsulates the act of reaching out to others during challenging times.

Synonyms

aid, assist, help, relieve, support.

Examples of usage

  • Volunteers rushed to succor the injured after the explosion.
  • He felt the need to succor his friend during her time of trouble.
  • The community came together to succor those affected by the flood.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • William Shakespeare used the term in several of his plays, highlighting its importance in themes of aid and compassion.
  • In the novel 'Moby-Dick', the concept of succor reflects the relationship between Captain Ahab and his crew, showcasing the complexity of human support.
  • Charles Dickens often depicted the notion of succor in his works to stress moral obligations to help the less fortunate.

Psychology

  • Offering succor can activate feelings of safety and belonging, promoting emotional well-being.
  • Studies show that being on either side of succorโ€”giving or receivingโ€”can lead to increased happiness and satisfaction.
  • The concept taps into the human instinct to form connections and offer help, which is key in social psychology.

History

  • During times of war, succor has played a critical role in humanitarian efforts, guiding organizations in providing relief to victims.
  • In medieval times, knights would often pledge succor to their lords, committing to protect them in battle or times of crisis.
  • The creation of emergency services in modern societies is rooted in the historical need for succor during natural disasters and conflicts.

Pop Culture

  • In modern media, succor is often depicted through characters who play the role of the hero or the rescuer in movies and books.
  • Dance music and gaming culture have adopted the idea of succor, emphasizing teamwork and the importance of helping one another for success.
  • Various charities and NGOs use the term 'succor' in their missions, promoting awareness about providing urgent help in crises.

Origin of 'succor'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'succor' comes from the Old French 'secours', meaning help or aid.
  • It traces back to the Latin 'succurrere', which combines 'sub-' (under) and 'currere' (to run), literally meaning to run to help.
  • 'Succor' has been used in English since the 14th century, initially in the context of providing relief in battles.

The term 'succor' originates from the Latin word 'succurrere', which means 'to run to help'. This Latin word is composed of 'sub-' meaning 'under' and 'currere' meaning 'to run'. The transition of the term into the English language occurred in the late Middle Ages, around the 14th century, where it retained the connotation of providing assistance or support. As the English language evolved, 'succor' became associated with acts of compassion, particularly in contexts involving humanitarian assistance. Its usage has been prominent in literature, law, and humanitarian discourse, encapsulating the idea of responding to the needs of others during their time of distress. The word has maintained a formal tone, often used in legal and literary contexts, reflecting the seriousness of the situations where succor is needed.