succor

Succor is a noun that denotes assistance and relief provided to someone in distress. It can also be used as a verb meaning to give aid or comfort to someone in need. In contemporary usage, succor is relatively formal or literary, and more common in religious, historical, or ceremonial writing. In everyday English, words like aid, relief, or assistance are typically preferred.

Etymology andVariants: The word derives from Old French secours or socor, with roots in Latin succurrere, meaning “to run to help.” In English, succor appears in American spelling, while succour is the traditional British variant. Both forms are recognized as related and interchangeable in many contexts, though succor is more common in American usage today.

Usage and context: Succor is most often found in formal texts, religious prayers, or historical narratives. It commonly appears in phrases such as “to succor the afflicted,” “offer succor to the endangered,” or “divine succor.” As a verb, succor is relatively rare in modern prose and may sound archaic; its past tense is succored. In general writing, substitute terms like aid, assistance, relief, or support for a more contemporary tone.

See also: Relief, aid, assistance, support, consolation. In historical or literary works, succor may be encountered as part of descriptions of charitable acts, military relief, or divine intervention.