succumb
Definitions
To give in to an overpowering force, desire, or pressure
屈服；抵挡不住（诱惑、压力等）
To die from an illness or injury
（因病或伤）死亡，不治
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedsuc- (sub-, under) + cumb (lie down) = 'lie down under.' Picture a fighter who can no longer stand and collapses beneath a stronger force. To succumb is to stop resisting and let something press you flat — whether that's temptation, pressure, or a fatal illness.
Root cumb still carries 5 more wordsUsage Guide
Almost always followed by 'to': succumb TO temptation/pressure/illness. The 'death' sense (succumb to injuries) is formal and common in news and obituaries. Note the silent 'b' at the end: pronounced /səˈkʌm/.
Example Sentences
- 1.
After weeks of resisting, he finally succumbed to the temptation to quit.
- 2.
Don't succumb to pressure from people who don't have your interests at heart.
- 3.
She succumbed to her injuries despite the doctors' efforts.
Synonym Comparison
- succumb — stop resisting and be overcome; implies you held out before giving way
- yield — give way to pressure or force; more neutral, can be voluntary
- surrender — formally give up, often in conflict
- give in — informal, everyday version of yield
- capitulate — formal; surrender on agreed terms after resistance