surrender
/səˈrɛndər/To give up control, possession, or territory, often to an enemy or authority.
The king was forced to surrender his throne to the rebels.
The king gave up his throne to the rebels.
She surrendered her passport at the border checkpoint.
She handed over her passport at the border checkpoint.
Can be used literally (giving up physical control) or metaphorically (yielding to emotions).
To yield to an emotion or desire, often reluctantly.
He finally surrendered to the temptation of eating dessert.
He gave in to the temptation of eating dessert.
She surrendered to her feelings and confessed her love.
She admitted her love after resisting for a long time.
Often used in emotional or psychological contexts.
Collocations
Related Phrases
💡Pro Tip
Literal vs. Figurative Use
Surrender can mean giving up control (literal) or yielding to emotions (figurative).
⚡Gold Rule
Context Matters
Always consider whether the use is literal (e.g., surrendering a weapon) or figurative (e.g., surrendering to love).
📖Word Origin
From Middle English *surrenderen*, from Old French *surrendre*, from Latin *super* (over) + *rendere* (to give back).
📝Usage Notes
Can be used both literally (giving up control) and metaphorically (yielding to emotions).