surrenders; surrendered; surrendering
1
: to agree to stop fighting, hiding, resisting, etc., because you know that you will not win or succeed
The enemy finally surrendered after three days of fighting.
The gunman surrendered and was taken into custody.
—often + toAfter a short chase, the suspect surrendered to the police.
The suspect surrendered himself (to the police).
2
: to give the control or use of (something) to someone else
The troops were forced to surrender the fort.
He surrendered [=handed over] his weapon to the police.
They were required to surrender their passports.
They surrendered their rights.
the surrendering of land to the government
3
: to allow something (such as a habit or desire) to influence or control you
—often + to
She surrendered [=gave in] to temptation and ordered dessert.
He refused to surrender to despair.
He refused to surrender himself to despair.
1
: an agreement to stop fighting, hiding, resisting, etc., because you know that you will not win or succeed : an act of surrendering
Their surrender was formalized in a treaty.
They demanded an unconditional surrender.
2
: the act of giving the control or use of something to someone else
the surrender of territory
3
: the act of allowing yourself to be influenced or controlled by someone or something
a surrender to desire
Cite this Entry
“Surrender.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/surrender. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
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