The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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succumb

verb

/səˈkʌm/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of succumb

To yield or give in to a force, pressure, temptation, illness, or adverse circumstance.
"Even the strongest may succumb to temptation."

Detailed meaning of succumb

When someone 'succumbs' to something, it means they have been overcome or defeated by it, often because they lacked the strength, willpower, or resistance to resist its influence. This term conveys a sense of surrender or vulnerability, implying that an individual or entity has been unable to withstand the impact of the challenging situation or temptation. For instance, someone might 'succumb' to a disease, meaning they were unable to recover and eventually passed away due to its effects. Similarly, one can 'succumb' to the allure of temptation, indicating a loss of self-control or resistance in the face of a compelling desire. 'Succumb' emphasizes the notion of being overwhelmed or overpowered by a prevailing force or condition.

Example sentences containing succumb

1. When will he succumb to the pressure of his parents' expectations?
2. If you don't water them, the plants will succumb to drought.
3. Try not to succumb to the despair that these circumstances can bring.
4. We cannot let our dreams succumb to fear and doubt.
5. Many businesses might succumb to the economic recession.
6. If we don't make our stand, we will surely succumb to the invaders.

History and etymology of succumb

The verb 'succumb' has its origins in the Latin word 'succumbere,' which is a combination of 'sub,' meaning 'under,' and 'cumbere,' meaning 'to lie down' or 'to yield.' In Latin, 'succumbere' conveyed the idea of yielding or giving in to a force or pressure, often in the sense of surrendering to an adversary or succumbing to illness. In English, 'succumb' was adopted in the 17th century and retained its original sense of yielding or giving in to various influences, including temptation, illness, or adverse circumstances. The etymology of 'succumb' emphasizes the notion of being overcome or overpowered, highlighting the act of surrendering to external forces or pressures.

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Further usage examples of succumb

1. Shall we succumb to societal norms or forge our unique path?
2. We must not let democracy succumb to authoritarianism.
3. If we don't support local shops, they will succumb to large corporations.
4. It's important to stay strong and not succumb to the trials life throws at us.
5. Do not succumb to the illusion of quick wealth and easy success.
6. The ancient city did not succumb to the invading forces for centuries.
7. Some people succumb to the allure of instant gratification rather than working towards long-term goals.
8. The knight vowed not to succumb to the dragon's fiery breath.
9. Even in sickness, he refused to succumb to his fate and fought bravely.
10. Will the tradition succumb to modernization, or can it adapt and survive?
11. We mustn't let our passion succumb to the mundane tasks of daily life.
12. If you don't stay vigilant, you can easily succumb to misinformation online.
13. Despite his best efforts, he couldn't resist the temptation and succumbed.
14. When faced with adversity, she refused to succumb to despair.
15. The team's determination helped them resist succumbing to fatigue.
16. He tried to stay strong, but eventually, he succumbed to the illness.
17. The pressure became too much, causing him to succumb to stress.
18. In the face of temptation, she struggled not to succumb.
19. They vowed never to succumb to the lure of easy money.
20. She fought valiantly but ultimately succumbed to her injuries.
21. The company had to succumb to market forces and restructure.
22. Despite his resilience, he eventually succumbed to old age.
23. Her willpower wavered, and she succumbed to peer pressure.
24. They refused to succumb to the negativity and remained optimistic.