Word
cede
US/ˈsid/
UK/sˈiːd/
Definition
v. to give up control or ownership of something, especially a piece of land or a right, to another person or country.
v. to formally surrender or give up possession or control of something, typically a territory or a right, to another party.
Examples
“The country decided to cede the disputed island to its neighbor.”
“After the treaty was signed, the former empire had to cede several provinces to the newly independent state.”
“The historical treaty required the losing side to cede vast tracts of territory, effectively reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the region for decades to come.”
Examples
simple
“The country decided to cede the disputed island to its neighbor.”
contextual
“After the treaty was signed, the former empire had to cede several provinces to the newly independent state.”
complex
“The historical treaty required the losing side to cede vast tracts of territory, effectively reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the region for decades to come.”
Real-World Examples
“A historical look at the political and industrial movements that have wanted to cede human agency and democratic rule to automation and authoritarianism.” “Xabi Alonso’s side were far less open through midfield than they had been against Fulham and Brighton – easier as that can sometimes be to manage against sides who don’t instinctively cede possession.” Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French ceder, from Old French ceder, from Latin cēdō (“to yield”), from Proto-Indo-European *ḱyesdʰ- (“to drive away; to go away”). Cognate with Tocharian B kätk- (“to cross, pass”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Idioms
01. cede the field
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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