succumb
To give in to pressure, temptation, or a force; to yield
Examples
In a meeting
“We can't succumb to the pressure to cut corners just to meet the deadline.”
Over coffee
“I tried to resist the dessert menu, but I eventually succumbed to the chocolate cake.”
Why this word
yield
succumb implies giving in after resistance to something negative, yield is neutral about context
surrender
succumb suggests inevitable defeat or inability to resist, surrender implies a conscious decision
die
succumb emphasizes the process of yielding to death or defeat, die simply states the outcome
Usage tip
Use when someone stops resisting something negative or tempting. Often followed by 'to' and implies some weakness or inevitability.
Etymology
Latin: sub- (under) + -cumbere (to lie down)
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Related words
evaluate
To assess or judge the value, quality, or significance of something.
discern
To perceive or recognize a subtle difference or hidden truth.
defer
To postpone something to a later time, or to yield to someone else's judgment.
authorize
To give official permission or approval for something
reconsider
Think about a decision or opinion again with the possibility of changing it
arbitrary
Based on random choice rather than reason or system