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surrender

v. · n.
US //sɝˈɛndɝ// UK //səɹˈɛndɐ// sur·ren·der
  1. 1 to stop fighting (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to stop fighting or resisting because you know you cannot win.

    to cease resistance to an enemy or opponent and submit to their authority. Often used intransitively in military contexts.

    Example

    The soldiers were forced to surrender after they ran out of food and ammunition.

    Example

    After weeks of heavy bombardment and dwindling supplies, the garrison was left with no choice but to surrender to the advancing forces.
  2. 2 to give up a right or object (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Law

    to give up something you own or a right you have, often because you are required to.

    to give up possession or control of something to another, especially under legal or official compulsion.

    Example

    You must surrender your passport to the authorities while the investigation continues.

    Example

    The defendant was ordered to surrender all travel documents to the court to ensure he would not flee the jurisdiction before the trial.
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  1. 3 to give in to emotion (v.)
    C1 Advanced Literary

    to stop trying to control a strong feeling or influence.

    to abandon oneself to a particular influence, emotion, or impulse. Often used reflexively with 'to'.

    Example

    She decided to surrender to her grief and cried for hours.

    Example

    Exhausted by the long journey, he finally surrendered to sleep, oblivious to the storm raging outside the cabin.
  2. 4 the act of giving up (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the act of admitting defeat or giving up control.

    the action of yielding one's person or giving up the possession of something especially into the power of another.

    Example

    The general signed the surrender in a small house near the battlefield.

    Example

    The sudden surrender of the rebel leaders brought an unexpected and welcome end to the decade-long civil war.
Etymology 1

Etymology tree Middle English surrendren English surrender From Middle English surrendren, from Old French surrendre, from sur- + rendre (“render”). Displaced native Old English on hand gān.

Etymology 2

From Middle English surrendre, from Anglo-Norman surrendre, infinitive as noun. Displaced native Old English handgang.

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