Entry Word: cede

Function: verb

Meaning: 1 to give (something) over to the control or possession of another usually under duress <she reluctantly ceded her position as leader> — see surrender 1
2 to give over the legal possession or ownership of <Spain ceded Puerto Rico to the United States as part of the settlement of the Spanish-American War> — see transfer 1
3 to give up (as a position of authority) formally <the President officially cedes his position on the January 20th immediately following the presidential election> — see abdicate