Succumbed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

😔
Add to dictionary

succumbed

[səˈkʌmp ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

giving in

To succumb means to yield to a superior force or to give in under pressure. It often refers to surrendering to an overpowering force, such as a desire, emotion, or illness.

Synonyms

capitulate, submit, surrender, yield.

Examples of usage

  • She succumbed to temptation and had a piece of cake.
  • After a long battle with the disease, he eventually succumbed.
  • The army succumbed to the enemy's surprise attack.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In many stories, characters succumb to temptation, leading to dramatic plot twists and moral lessons.
  • Famous literary works often explore themes of succumbing to fate, such as in Shakespeare's tragedies.

Psychology

  • Individuals may succumb to stress or external pressures, which can impact mental health and well-being.
  • The concept of giving in can also be connected to learned helplessness, where people feel they can't change their circumstances.

Pop Culture

  • Songs and movies frequently depict characters who succumb to love, representing vulnerability and emotional depth.
  • Television series often show characters succumbing to their desires or fears, influencing the audience's connection to their journeys.

Science

  • In biological terms, organisms may succumb to diseases or environmental pressures, greatly influencing their survival rates.
  • The study of how species succumb to changes in their habitats helps scientists understand extinction risks.

Origin of 'succumbed'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'succumbere', meaning 'to lie under', which suggests being overtaken by something.
  • In Old French, the term also had the connotation of falling under pressure, which has carried into the modern use.

The word 'succumb' originates from the Latin word 'succumbere', which means 'to lie down' or 'to yield'. It is composed of the prefix 'sub-', meaning 'under', and 'cumbere', meaning 'to lie down' or 'to recline'. This reflects the idea of being overwhelmed or lying beneath a burden. The term has been utilized in English since the late 14th century, predominantly in contexts related to defeat or yielding to circumstances. Over the centuries, it has maintained this connotation of surrendering to an external force or influence, whether that be physical, emotional, or moral. Its usage has evolved, and today it can apply to various situations where one yields to demands, temptations, or the inevitability of fate.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,854, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.