cede

Where does the word "cede" come from? It comes from Latin cedere, passing through French before entering English (1600s).

Cede’s story begins in Latin: cedere meant “to go, to yield.” The root of 'concede', 'secede' and 'recede'. By 1500s, the word had taken hold in French as ceder. Carried into French for giving up territory or rights. It reached English by 1600s as cede. Settled as the English word for formally giving up territory, rights, or control. Today, cede means to formally give up power, rights, or territory to another.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient cedere "to go, to yield", the root of 'concede', 'secede' and 'recede'.
2. Stage 2 · French · 1500s ceder "to give up territory or rights", carried into French for giving up territory or rights.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1600s cede "to formally give up territory, rights, or control", settled as the English word for formally giving up territory, rights, or control.