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Definition of succumb

succumb

/səˈkʌm/
suc · cumb
Past Simple:succumbed
•
Past Participle:succumbed
•
Present Participle:succumbing
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succumb Lexical Profile

succumb Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To fail to resist pressure, temptation, or some other negative force.

Example

"After weeks of strict dieting, he finally succumbed to the temptation of a slice of chocolate cake."

2

To die from the effect of a disease or injury.

Example

"The elderly patient eventually succumbed to pneumonia after a long stay in the hospital."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

"Succumb" is an intransitive verb and is almost always followed by the preposition "to" when specifying the force, temptation, or illness that overcomes the subject.

• Rhymes for succumb

• Nearby Words

succulence
succulent
succulently
succumb
such
suchlike
suck

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 15th century from Old French 'succomber' or directly from Latin 'succumbere', meaning 'to fall down or yield', formed from 'sub-' (under) and '-cumbere' (to lie down).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Succumb. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/succumb
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