verb
C2
Proficient
succumb
suh-KUHM
Succumb (verb) means to give in to something overpowering, such as pressure, temptation, or illness. Example: “He finally succumbed to temptation and ate the whole cake.”
verb
1
To give in to something overpowering, such as pressure, temptation, or illness.
"He finally succumbed to temptation and ate the whole cake."
"The old oak tree succumbed to the storm and toppled over."
2
To die, especially from an illness or injury.
"She succumbed to her illness after a long battle."
How to use succumb
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo stop resisting and give in — to pressure, temptation, illness, or in the most serious case, to die.
When to use it
Often used in formal or news writing, especially as a somewhat gentler way of saying someone died.
Common pairings
succumb to pressure
succumb to temptation
succumb to injuries
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- succumbs
- Past tense
- succumbed, succame
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He finally _____ to temptation and ate the whole cake.
Etymology
From Old French succomber, from Latin succumbere, from sub- ("under") plus cumbere ("to lie down").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “succumb” mean?
The word “succumb” means to give in to something overpowering, such as pressure, temptation, or illness. In plain terms, to stop resisting and give in — to pressure, temptation, illness, or in the most serious case, to die.
How do you pronounce “succumb”?
“Succumb” is pronounced suh-KUHM (/səˈkʌm/ in IPA).
How do you use “succumb” in a sentence?
Here is “succumb” used in a sentence: “He finally succumbed to temptation and ate the whole cake.”
What part of speech is “succumb”?
“Succumb” is a verb.
Where does the word “succumb” come from?
The word “succumb” comes from Latin. From Old French succomber, from Latin succumbere, from sub- ("under") plus cumbere ("to lie down").
How many meanings does “succumb” have?
“Succumb” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to give in to something overpowering, such as pressure, temptation, or illness.
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