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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
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
Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025
In the past, Assad, Syria’s president, could rely on Iran to succor his country by sending Hezbollah from Lebanon or Iraqi militias, or could rely on Russia to supply it with Wagner mercenaries.
—Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 2 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for succor
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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
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
In the past, Assad, Syria’s president, could rely on Iran to succor his country by sending Hezbollah from Lebanon or Iraqi militias, or could rely on Russia to supply it with Wagner mercenaries.
—Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 2 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for succor
Cite this Entry
“Succor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/succor. Accessed 2 Jun. 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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