succor

1 of 2

noun

suc·​cor ˈsə-kər 

1

: relief

also : aid, help

2

: something that furnishes relief

succor

2 of 2

verb

succored; succoring ˈsə-k(ə-)riŋ 

transitive verb

: to go to the aid of : relieve

succorer

ˈsə-kər-ər 

noun

Did you know?

If you're a sucker for etymology, buckle in as we aid in your understanding of succor. This word comes from the Anglo-French noun sucor (or sucors), which essentially had the same meaning as our modern word. Sucor, in turn, comes from the Latin verb succurrere, meaning "to run to the rescue" or "to bring aid." Succurrere is itself a composite of the prefix sub- (meaning "from below") and the verb currere (meaning "to run"). English also has currere to thank for such words as current, currency, courier, and even car.

Examples of succor in a Sentence

Noun

We see it as our duty to give succor to those in need.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The first is the attitude that in times of disaster, beauty is a form of succor. —Justin Davidson, Curbed, 18 July 2024

But those in the teetotaling crowd still looking to partake in Power Hour might find some succor in the rise of another high-end bar trend: the nonalcoholic cocktail list. —Jane Thier, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2024

Verb

In the past, Assad, Syria’s president, could rely on Iran to succor his country by sending Hezbollah from Lebanon or Iraqi militias, or could rely on Russia to supply it with Wagner mercenaries. —Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 2 Dec. 2024

But succor generally can be found at The Dearborn, an upscale restaurant owned and operated by Amy and Clodagh Lawless, Billy Lawless’ daughters. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 13 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English socour, sucurs (taken as plural), from Anglo-French sucur, sucors, from Medieval Latin succursus, from Latin succurrere to run to the rescue, bring aid, from sub- + currere to run — more at car

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined above

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Kids Definition

succor

1 of 2 noun

suc·​cor ˈsək-ər 

: relief sense 1a

succor

2 of 2 verb

succored; succoring ˈsək-(ə-)riŋ 

: to go to the aid of (one in need or distress) : relieve

succorer

ˈsək-ər-ər 

noun