Word
surrendering
Phoneticssur·ren·der·ing, stress on the second syllable
US/sɝˈɛndɝɪŋ/
UK/səɹˈɛndəɹɪŋ/
Definition
v. giving up or stopping a fight because you know you cannot win. It can also mean handing over something you own to someone else in power.
v. the present participle of 'surrender'; refers to the act of yielding to the power or control of another. Often describes a formal admission of defeat or the relinquishing of a possession or right.
Examples
“The soldiers are surrendering their weapons to the police.”
“After hours of intense negotiation, the suspect is surrendering to the authorities without further resistance.”
“By surrendering his claim to the inheritance, he hoped to restore peace within the family and avoid a lengthy legal battle that would deplete their remaining assets.”
Examples
simple
“The soldiers are surrendering their weapons to the police.”
contextual
“After hours of intense negotiation, the suspect is surrendering to the authorities without further resistance.”
complex
“By surrendering his claim to the inheritance, he hoped to restore peace within the family and avoid a lengthy legal battle that would deplete their remaining assets.”
Usage
The verb can be used intransitively ('they are surrendering') or transitively with a direct object ('surrendering their rights').
Pitfall
surrendering from the enemy
surrendering to the enemy
When yielding to an opponent, the verb takes the preposition 'to', not 'from'.
Real-World Examples
“Surrendering to its flow, swimming with the current, can sometimes bring us more peace, power and purpose than fighting it.” “Rodríguez has already been forced to defend herself against claims she is surrendering Venezuela’s natural resources to a foreign power.” - 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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