Succumb
/səˈkʌm/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo yield to a superior force or to give in to a desire or temptation.
/səˈkʌm/
To fail to resist pressure, temptation, or some other negative force.
The soldiers succumbed to the overwhelming enemy forces.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying really hard not to eat the last cookie, but it's so tempting! To succumb is to finally give in and eat it.
👶 For kids: To give up or lose, like when you're playing a game and you let the other person win.
More Examples
After weeks of battling the illness, she finally succumbed.
He succumbed to peer pressure and started smoking.
How It's Used
"He succumbed to the temptation to have another slice of cake."
"Many patients succumbed to the disease during the epidemic."
"The company succumbed to market pressures and lowered its prices."
To die from the effects of a disease or injury.
/səˈkʌm/
To die from the effect of a disease or injury.
He succumbed to his injuries after the accident.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone getting really, really sick and, unfortunately, passing away from it.
👶 For kids: To die from being sick or hurt.
More Examples
Many soldiers succumbed on the battlefield.
Unfortunately, he succumbed to the rare disease.
How It's Used
"The patient succumbed to his injuries."
"He succumbed to the poison."
Synonyms
From Latin succumbere, meaning 'to fall under' or 'to yield'.
The word has been used since the 15th century, originally in a military context referring to submitting to force or a superior enemy.
Memory tip
Imagine you're battling a wave (force). To 'succumb' is to be overcome by it.