What does "surrender" mean?
An act of surrendering, submission into the possession of another; abandonment, resignation.
Surrender
/səˈɹɛndə(ɹ)/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An act of surrendering, submission into the possession of another; abandonment, resignation.
- Grammar: surrender is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: capitulation, cede, give up, yielding.
- Useful contrasts: enduring, physical action exercise, whopping.
- Usage evidence: The pirates had no choice but to surrender.
How to use "surrender"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "surrender" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "surrender" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "surrender" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "surrender" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "surrender" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "capitulation" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "surrender", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An act of surrendering, submission into the possession of another; abandonment, resignation. countable, uncountable
- 2 the act of surrendering (usually under agreed conditions) wordnet
- 3 The yielding or delivery of a possession in response to a demand. countable, uncountable
- 4 the delivery of a principal into lawful custody wordnet
- 5 The yielding of the leasehold estate by the lessee to the landlord, so that the tenancy for years merges in the reversion and no longer exists. countable, uncountable
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 a verbal act of admitting defeat wordnet
- 7 acceptance of despair wordnet
Verb
- 1 To give up into the power, control, or possession of another. transitive
- 2 give up or agree to forgo to the power or possession of another wordnet
- 3 To yield (a town, a fortification, etc.) to an enemy. broadly, transitive
- 4 relinquish possession or control over wordnet
- 5 To give oneself up into the power of another, especially as a prisoner; to submit or give in. intransitive, reflexive
"Don't shoot! I surrender!"
Show 4 more definitions
- 6 To give up possession of; to yield; to resign. transitive
"to surrender a right, privilege, or advantage"
- 7 To yield (oneself) to an influence, emotion, passion, etc. reflexive
"to surrender oneself to grief, to despair, to indolence, or to sleep"
- 8 To abandon (one's hand of cards) and recover half of the initial bet. ambitransitive
- 9 For a policyholder, to voluntarily terminate an insurance contract before the end of its term, usually with the expectation of receiving a surrender value. transitive
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"The pirates had no choice but to surrender."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "surrender"?
Common synonyms include: capitulation, cede, give up, yielding, abalienate, abalienation.
How do you use "surrender" in a sentence?
The pirates had no choice but to surrender.
How do you pronounce "surrender"?
Pronounced /səˈɹɛndə(ɹ)/.
Etymology
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.