Succumb
As a Verb
- To give in to pressure, temptation, or a stronger force.
- To fail to resist an illness, attack, or overwhelming situation.
- To die from an illness or injury.
Word History
The word succumb comes from the Latin succumbere, meaning “to yield” or “to lie down under something.” It is formed from sub- (under) and cumbere (to lie down), originally referring to physically collapsing under pressure before evolving to mean surrendering or giving in.
Examples
- She finally succumbed to the temptation of eating chocolate.
- The small village succumbed to the invading army after weeks of resistance.
- He succumbed to his injuries despite the doctors’ best efforts.
Synonyms
Give in, yield, surrender, submit, concede
Related Words
Capitulate, relent, weaken, bow
Antonyms
Resist, withstand, overcome, endure
