WordGarden.iosurrender
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /sərˈɛndə/
US
- /sərˈɛndər/
Meanings
Verb
to stop resisting and submit to an opponent or authority
to hand over or relinquish something because it is demanded or required
to give oneself over to a feeling, impulse, or experience
Noun
the act of yielding to an opponent or authority
Beyond the definition
To surrender isn't always about battles and war, though that is one of the most common ways people use the word. It means to give up control of something or stop resisting, whether that is a fortress, a dream, or even your pride. A defeated army might surrender to its enemy, but you can also surrender to temptation, like taking another slice of pie. Sometimes, it is about letting go and accepting what is happening. Think of a sailor surrendering to the waves, not fighting the tide, but going with the flow.
The word carries weight; it implies acknowledging defeat or willingly submitting to someone else's power. It can be a difficult choice, but sometimes surrender is the bravest thing you can do. As many poets and philosophers have noted, learning when to yield to the world is a vital part of finding peace.
To surrender means to cease resistance and yield oneself to another's control or to an overwhelming force. While often associated with military conflict—a defeated army surrendering its weapons and territory—the concept extends far beyond the battlefield.
You can surrender to circumstances, accepting something you cannot change. A struggling artist might surrender their dream of fame to focus on the joy of creating. It is not necessarily an act of weakness; sometimes surrender is a strategic act of self-preservation or acceptance. Think of a climber caught in an avalanche: surrendering their body to the flow, rather than rigidly resisting, can actually increase their chances of survival.
The word also implies a relinquishing of rights or possessions. A criminal might surrender to authorities, giving up their freedom, while a company facing bankruptcy may surrender its assets to creditors.
Interestingly, "surrender" often carries spiritual connotations. In various philosophies and religions, surrendering to a higher power or the natural order of things is seen as a path to enlightenment. This isn't about giving up on life, but rather releasing the need for total control and trusting in something larger than oneself.
Whether it is a formal act of defeat, a personal acceptance of fate, or a spiritual practice, surrender involves letting go, yielding control, and acknowledging the power of another force. It is a complex word that speaks to both loss and liberation.
Examples
- 1
Military defeat
After hours of fighting, the enemy finally surrendered.
- 2
Police
The suspect surrendered to the police early this morning.
- 3
Business control
She refused to surrender control of the business.
- 4
Principles
Don’t surrender your principles just to make other people happy.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Panic reaction
He tried not to surrender to panic when the lights went out.
- Patternsurrender to + feeling/reaction
stop resisting that feeling or reaction
- 6
Unwelcome facts
By midnight, I had surrendered to the fact that the train wasn’t coming.
- 7
Sleep
She lay back and surrendered herself to sleep.
- Patternsurrender yourself to + feeling/experience
stop resisting it
- 8
War terms
The war ended with their unconditional surrender.
- Phraseunconditional surrender
agreeing to stop fighting without asking for special treatment
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- give in
- concede
- turn oneself in
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- surrender to police
- surrender unconditionally
- surrender oneself
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- surrendernounverb
Forms
- surrenderedpast tenseverbnoun
- surrendering-ing formverbnoun
- surrenderspluralnounverb