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.
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Noun
The first is the attitude that in times of disaster, beauty is a form of succor.—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 18 July 2024 But those in the teetotaling crowd still looking to partake in Power Hour might find some succor in the rise of another high-end bar trend: the nonalcoholic cocktail list.—Jane Thier, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2024
Verb
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 Seeking succor when the world seems to be closing in on you is a quintessentially human habit.—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for succor
Word History
Etymology
Noun
Middle English socour, sucurs (taken as plural), from Anglo-French sucur, sucors, from Medieval Latin succursus, from Latin succurrere to run to the rescue, bring aid, from sub- + currere to run — more at car
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