accession

[ ak-sesh-uhn ]

noun

1. the act of coming into the possession of a right, title, office, etc.:

   accession to the throne.

2. an increase by something added:

   an accession of territory.

3. something added:

   a list of accessions to the college library.

4. Law. addition to property by growth or improvement.
5. consent; agreement; approval:

   accession to a demand.

6. International Law. formal acceptance of a treaty, international convention, or other agreement between states.
7. the act of coming near; approach.
8. an attack or onset, as of a disease.

verb (used with object)

1. to make a record of (a book, painting, etc.) in the order of acquisition.
2. to acquire (a book, painting, etc.), especially for a permanent collection.

accession

/ əkˈsɛʃən /

noun

1. the act of entering upon or attaining to an office, right, condition, etc
2. an increase due to an addition
3. an addition, as to a collection
4. property law
   1. an addition to land or property by natural increase or improvement
   2. the owner's right to the increased value of such land
5. international law the formal acceptance of a convention or treaty
6. agreement; consent
7. a less common word for access

verb

1. tr to make a record of (additions to a collection)

Derived Forms

• acˈcessional, adjective

Other Words From

• ac·cession·al adjective
• nonac·cession noun
• reac·cession noun
• unac·cession·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of accession¹

1580–90; < Latin accessiōn- (stem of accessiō ) an approach, addition. See access, -ion

Example Sentences

Kennedy’s own accession to the HHS secretary post is not yet certain.

From Los Angeles Times

Voters will also get to cast their ballot in a referendum on whether to enshrine Moldova’s goal of EU accession in the constitution.

From BBC

The King, who was a regular spectator at the games while Duke of Rothesay, will mark two years since his accession to the throne on Sunday.

From BBC

But the accession of Harris raises questions about Newsom’s political future.

From Los Angeles Times

An independent Scotland could claim to be in line with most European single market and customs rules, making accession easier than other candidate nations.

From BBC

Related Words

• enlargement
• extension