succumbere

Succumbere is a Latin verb meaning to yield, to fall under, or to submit. It derives from sub- “under” and cumbere “to lie down,” conveying the sense of being under pressure or capitulating. In classical and post-classical Latin, succumbere is used in literal contexts—such as to fall under an opponent or a burden—as well as in figurative senses, including surrender to fear, temptation, illness, or fate.

Grammatical notes: Succumbere is a regular third-conjugation verb. The infinitive is succumbere. In the present active indicative, forms include succumbō (I yield), succumbis (you yield), succumbit (he/she/it yields). Like many Latin verbs, its other tenses and voices are built on the same stem following standard third-conjugation patterns. It is used with various syntactic constructions to express yielding or submission in different contexts.

English derivative and usage: The direct English descendant is the verb succumb. In English, succumb means to yield to pressure or force, to die as a result of illness, or to surrender to temptation. Common expressions include “to succumb to temptation” and “to succumb to disease.” The word retains the core sense of being overcome or overwhelmed by a force, whether physical, emotional, or situational.

Overall, succumbere provides a concise example of how Latin verbs describe processes of yielding and submission, with a lasting impact through its English descendant.