C1verb2K

Surrender

UK /["/səˈrendə(r)/","/səˈrendəz/","/səˈrendəd/","/səˈrendərɪŋ/"]/US /["/səˈrendər/","/səˈrendərz/","/səˈrendərd/","/səˈrendərɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to admit that you have been defeated and want to stop fighting; to allow yourself to be caught, taken prisoner, etc.

In simple words: To give up or stop fighting.

Examples

  • The rebel soldiers were forced to surrender.
  • He surrendered voluntarily to his enemies.
  • The hijackers eventually surrendered themselves to the police.
  • After three weeks under siege they surrendered completely.
  • The British formally surrendered on 31 May.
  • He agreed to surrender all claims to the property.
  • They surrendered their guns to the police.
  • The defendant was released to await trial but had to surrender her passport.
  • The dictator surrendered power to Parliament.

Usage notes

Used in both personal and formal contexts. Appropriate in discussions about conflict, debates, or personal struggles. Avoid in overly casual settings.

Grammar pattern

surrender + object

Memory hint

Sound like 'sun-der' — imagine the sun setting as a metaphor for giving up.

Collocations

  • unconditionally
  • completely
  • immediately
  • order somebody to
  • agree to
  • refuse to
  • to
  • unconditionally
  • completely
  • immediately
  • order somebody to
  • agree to
  • refuse to
  • to

Synonyms

  • give in (to somebody/something)

Antonyms

  • resist
  • fight
  • defend

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'yield' — 'yield' can imply a more temporary submission.
  • Used incorrectly as a noun instead of a verb.
  • Misunderstand the emotional tone — 'surrender' can imply defeat, so be cautious in positive contexts.