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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
Ruby Tandoh, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025
Yes, Israel has a responsibility to limit and provide succor to the suffering.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2025
Hussein Agha, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2025
That legacy echoes in our every cell, yoking our fates to the vast unicellular realm, where creatures such as protozoans navigate threats, seek succor and sense their way from life to death.
—Claire L. Evans, Quanta Magazine, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for succor
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Noun
The succor of small-time hubris is what good bake-offs are about—bakers driven only by that elegant, unimpeachable motive, to be the best.
—Ruby Tandoh, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025
Yes, Israel has a responsibility to limit and provide succor to the suffering.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2025
Verb
Arab states may use the prospect of normalization to achieve reconciliation with Israel and succor for Palestinians.
—Hussein Agha, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2025
That legacy echoes in our every cell, yoking our fates to the vast unicellular realm, where creatures such as protozoans navigate threats, seek succor and sense their way from life to death.
—Claire L. Evans, Quanta Magazine, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for succor
Cite this Entry
“Succor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/succor. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
succor
1 of 2 noun
suc·cor
ˈsək-ər 
succor
2 of 2 verb
succored; succoring
ˈsək-(ə-)riŋ
: to go to the aid of (one in need or distress) : relieve
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