survive

verb

sur·​vive sər-ˈvīv 

survived; surviving

intransitive verb

1

: to remain alive or in existence : live on

2

: to continue to function or prosper

transitive verb

1

: to remain alive after the death of

he is survived by his wife

2

: to continue to exist or live after

survived the earthquake

3

: to continue to function or prosper despite : withstand

they survived many hardships

survivor

sər-ˈvī-vər 

noun

Synonyms

• ride (out)
• weather

Examples of survive in a Sentence

I don't see how any creature can survive under those conditions.

bacteria that survive in extreme temperatures

Only a few written records survive from those times.

These ancient practices still survive in some regions.

Some of the original bridges survive.

Many businesses are struggling to survive in today's economy.

Only his son survived him.

She survived her husband by only a few years.

He survived a political scandal and was elected to the state legislature.

The company survived the recession.

Recent Examples on the Web

He is survived by his daughter Heather Edwards, brother Bill, and a granddaughter, as well as another daughter, Sallie Edwards, who told the New York Times that complications from a stroke were the cause of his death. —Michael Savio, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024

Without Curry, the team was able to survive behind strong performances from guard Buddy Hield and forward Jonathan Kuminga. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

His publicist said Jones died on Sunday and is survived by his seven children, including actress Rashida Jones, USA TODAY previously reported. —Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez, The Courier-Journal, 5 Nov. 2024

July 14: Trump survives an assassination attempt at his Butler, Pa. rally days before the Republican National Convention. —Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, to outlive, from Anglo-French survivre, from Latin supervivere, from super- + vivere to live — more at quick entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Kids Definition

survive

verb

sur·​vive sər-ˈvīv 

survived; surviving

1

: to remain alive : continue to exist

2

: to remain alive after the death of

survived by three children

3

: to continue to exist or live after

survived the flood

survivor

-ˈvī-vər 

noun

Medical Definition

survive

verb

sur·​vive sər-ˈvīv 

survived; surviving

intransitive verb

: to remain alive or in existence : live on

transitive verb

1

: to remain alive after the death of

his son survived him

2

: to continue to exist or live after

survived the stroke

survival

-ˈvī-vəl 

noun

survivor

-ˈvī-vər 

noun