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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
Donna Seaman
june 18, Literary Hub, 18 June 2025
The first is the attitude that in times of disaster, beauty is a form of succor.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 18 July 2024
Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 20 June 2025
As elsewhere, Philadelphia’s philanthropic community rose up to provide them food, shelter, and succor, but the white Dominguans were not permitted to maintain their slaves (despite their best efforts to do so).
—Time, 9 June 2025
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Noun
Many of us are taking refuge in books, finding succor and perspective, beauty and truth, escape and connection.
—Donna Seaman
june 18, Literary Hub, 18 June 2025
The first is the attitude that in times of disaster, beauty is a form of succor.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 18 July 2024
Verb
This is maybe understandable in the former states of the Confederacy where Republicans took control not as the Party of Lincoln, but as the alternative to the Democrats who had abandoned legal segregation after 90 years of succoring segregation and Jim Crow.
—Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 20 June 2025
As elsewhere, Philadelphia’s philanthropic community rose up to provide them food, shelter, and succor, but the white Dominguans were not permitted to maintain their slaves (despite their best efforts to do so).
—Time, 9 June 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 5 Jul. 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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