Surrender Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)

Britannica Dictionary definition of SURRENDER

1

:

to agree to stop fighting, hiding, resisting, etc., because you know that you will not win or succeed

[no object]

• The enemy finally surrendered after three days of fighting.
• The gunman surrendered and was taken into custody.

— often + to

• After a short chase, the suspect surrendered to the police.

[+ object]

• The suspect surrendered himself (to the police).

2

[+ object]

:

to give the control or use of (something) to someone else

• The troops were forced to surrender the fort.
• He surrendered [=_handed over_] his weapon to the police.
• They were required to surrender their passports.
• They surrendered their rights.
• the surrendering of land to the government

3

:

to allow something (such as a habit or desire) to influence or control you

— often + to

[no object]

• She surrendered [=_gave in_] to temptation and ordered dessert.
• He refused to surrender to despair.

[+ object]

• He refused to surrender himself to despair.

Britannica Dictionary definition of SURRENDER

[singular]

1

:

an agreement to stop fighting, hiding, resisting, etc., because you know that you will not win or succeed

:

an act of surrendering

• Their surrender was formalized in a treaty.
• They demanded an unconditional surrender.

2

:

the act of giving the control or use of something to someone else

• the surrender of territory

3

:

the act of allowing yourself to be influenced or controlled by someone or something

• a surrender to desire