Succour Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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succour
[ËsĘkÉr ]
Definitions
providing aid
Succour refers to assistance or support given to someone in difficulty or distress. It typically implies a sense of urgency and a need for immediate help, often in challenging circumstances.
Synonyms
aid, assistance, relief, support.
Examples of usage
- The organization offered succour to the victims of the disaster.
- In times of crisis, we must extend succour to those in need.
- She felt a deep sense of peace knowing that her friends were there to succour her through tough times.
to help
To succour means to give help or assistance, especially in difficult situations. It is often used in formal or literary contexts to describe the act of providing urgent help to those in need.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The volunteers came to succour the refugees at the camp.
- He vowed to succour anyone who was suffering under oppression.
- In her heart, she knew she needed to succour the children left behind.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- The term appears in various literary works, including Shakespeare's plays, depicting themes of aid and compassion.
- In John Milton's 'Paradise Lost', the concept of succour is tied to divine assistance and mercy.
- Classic literature often portrays succour as a moral duty, emphasizing the importance of community support.
Cultural Significance
- Many cultures have myths that emphasize the importance of providing succour to those in need, often elevating the helper to hero status.
- Organizations across the globe use the term in their missions to evoke a sense of compassion and responsibility.
- During crises, the act of providing succour is often highlighted in media narratives, reinforcing human solidarity.
Psychology
- Research shows that offering succour can enhance emotional well-being for both the giver and the receiver.
- Acts of succour can trigger the release of oxytocin, often referred to as the 'bonding hormone', promoting feelings of love and connection.
- People who regularly engage in helping behavior tend to experience lower levels of stress and higher life satisfaction.
Historical Usage
- Many historical documents, including letters from wartime, used 'succour' to refer to aid sent to soldiers and refugees.
- Religious texts often emphasize the act of succour as a virtue, encouraging followers to help the vulnerable and suffering.
- In the context of historical relief efforts, succour has played a crucial role in shaping humanitarian responses during disasters.
Origin of 'succour'
Main points about word origin
- 'Succour' comes from the Old French word 'sucres', meaning help or relief.
- It is derived from the Latin 'succurrere', which means 'to run to aid'.
- The word has been part of the English language since the 14th century, mainly used in literary contexts.
The term 'succour' originates from the Old French 'socur', which means 'help' or 'relief', derived from the Latin 'sucurrere', meaning 'to run to the aid of'. This Latin term is composed of 'sub-' meaning 'under' and 'currere' meaning 'to run', reflecting the idea of rushing to provide assistance. The word has been used in English since the late 14th century, indicating a technical or literary context of providing urgent support. Over the centuries, 'succour' has retained its association with significant aid, often used in humanitarian contexts, signaling a deep-seated cultural understanding of community and compassion.