Meaning & Definition of word "Surrender"

Surrender

/səˈrɛndər/

noun:

  • 1. the act of giving up or yielding to another.
    • Example: His surrender to the enemy was unexpected.
  • 2. a formal yielding to the authority of another, often in a military context.
    • Example: The document was signed as part of the official surrender.

verb:

  • 1. to give oneself up to another, especially as a sign of defeat or in submission.
    • Example: After a long battle, the opposing forces decided to surrender.
  • 2. to yield to the power, control, or possession of another.
    • Example: She chose to surrender her rights to the property.
  • 3. to give up completely or agree to forfeit something.
    • Example: He had to surrender his dreams of becoming a musician when he got a steady job.

Etymology

Middle English: from Old French 'surrender', from 'surrendre', meaning 'to render up'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

surrender to:

To yield or submit to someone or something.

surrender your will:

To give up control over one's choices or desires.

Related Words

yield:

To give way to arguments, demands, or pressure.

capitulate:

To cease to resist an opponent or an unwelcome demand.

Slang Meanings of surrender

Meaning: Throw in the towel

Example Sentence: After trying for hours, he finally threw in the towel.

Meaning: Give up the ghost

Example Sentence: She gave up the ghost after her last attempt at fixing the car.