Surrender Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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surrender

[səˈrendər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in war

To give up control or possession of something, typically in a conflict or battle. Surrendering may involve laying down weapons or ceasing resistance.

Synonyms

capitulate, concede, submit, yield.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
surrender	Used when someone gives up control or possession of something, often in a military or competitive context. The enemy was forced to surrender after the intense battle. The chess player decided to surrender his queen to gain a tactical advantage.
yield	Used when someone gives way or relinquishes control, often in the context of argument, negotiation, or physical movement. She refused to yield her position despite the pressure from her colleagues. The driver had to yield to oncoming traffic.
capitulate	Typically used in formal or serious situations where someone agrees to stop fighting or resisting, often under specific conditions. After several weeks of siege, the city finally capitulated to the invading forces. The company had to capitulate to the union's demands after a long negotiation.
submit	Often used when someone gives in to a higher authority or force, implying a sense of yielding to power or pressure. The citizens were forced to submit to the new authoritarian regime. He decided to submit his resignation after the scandal.
concede	Used when someone admits defeat or acknowledges that something is true, often in a humble or reluctant manner. After the election results were clear, the candidate conceded defeat. She had to concede that her opponent had a valid point.

Examples of usage

The enemy troops decided to surrender rather than face certain defeat.
The general ordered his soldiers to surrender to avoid further bloodshed.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

general

The action of surrendering, giving up, or yielding to a power or authority.

Synonyms

capitulation, submission, yielding.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
surrender	Used in general contexts when someone gives up control or possession due to defeat or pressure, often used in both physical and metaphorical situations. After a long chase, the fugitive decided to surrender to the police She finally decided to surrender her feelings of anger and forgive him
submission	Implies yielding or giving in, often due to force or authority, and can have a negative connotation implying weakness or lack of resistance. His submission to the demands of the dictator shocked his supporters The employee's submission to the unfair policy caused unrest in the team
yielding	Used when someone gives up resistance, often slowly or reluctantly. It can imply flexibility or adaptability in a positive sense. The stubborn soil finally showed signs of yielding to the gardener's persistent efforts Her yielding nature made her a great team player
capitulation	Formal term often used in military or diplomatic contexts, implying a structured and often negotiated agreement to give up. The city’s capitulation was marked by a formal ceremony The company's capitulation after the long legal battle surprised everyone

Examples of usage

The signing of the surrender document marked the end of the conflict.
His surrender to the police was seen as a turning point in the investigation.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term has roots in the Latin word 'surrendere', meaning 'to render up' or 'to give back'.
Throughout history, acts of surrender have often marked pivotal moments in wars, leading to change in power structures.
The concept has been formalized in various treaties and agreements, particularly in military contexts.

Psychology

In mental health, surrendering can signify acceptance, allowing individuals to release stress and anxiety.
Therapeutic practices often promote 'surrendering' to one's feelings as a means of processing emotions effectively.
Surrender is sometimes associated with personal growth, where letting go can lead to new perspectives and resilience.

Literature

Surrender is a common theme in literature, representing characters’ internal struggles and transformations throughout their journeys.
Many classic novels explore the idea of surrender in the context of love, conflict, and personal sacrifice.
Renowned authors often depict surrender as a crucial step for protagonists to achieve self-discovery.

Pop Culture

Songs from various genres highlight themes of surrender, often portraying love or life's challenges.
In movies, characters frequently face the decision to surrender, impacting plot twists and character arcs.
Pop culture can romanticize the act of surrender, depicting it as either a noble sacrifice or a necessary defeat.

Spirituality

Many spiritual traditions view surrender as a path to inner peace, encouraging followers to leave behind ego-driven desires.
In mindfulness practices, surrender involves letting go of control to experience present moments fully.
The concept of surrender is central to many religious teachings, framing it as a way to trust in a higher power.

Origin of 'surrender'

The word 'surrender' originated from the Old French word 'surrendre', which means 'to give up'. It entered the English language in the early 15th century. The concept of surrender has been prevalent in various historical events, especially in the context of warfare and negotiations. Surrender can symbolize both defeat and acceptance of a new reality, making it a complex and significant term in human interactions.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,379, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

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