proceed

[ verb pruh-seed; noun proh-seed ]

verb (used without object)

1. to move or go forward or onward, especially after stopping.

   Synonyms: continue, progress

   Antonyms: recede

2. to carry on or continue any action or process.
3. to go on to do something.
4. to continue one's discourse.
5. Law.
   1. to begin and carry on a legal action.
   2. to take legal action (usually followed by against ).
6. to be carried on, as an action or process.
7. to go or come forth; issue (often followed by from ).

   Synonyms: emanate

8. to arise, originate, or result (usually followed by from ).

   Synonyms: ensue, spring

noun

1. proceeds,
   1. something that results or accrues.
   2. the total amount derived from a sale or other transaction:

      The proceeds from the deal were divided equally among us.

   3. the profits or returns from a sale, investment, etc.
2. Archaic. proceeds.

proceed

/ prəˈsiːd /

verb

1. often foll by to to advance or carry on, esp after stopping
2. often foll by with to undertake and continue (something or to do something)

   he proceeded with his reading

3. often foll by against to institute or carry on a legal action
4. to emerge or originate; arise

   evil proceeds from the heart

Derived Forms

• proˈceeder, noun

Other Words From

• pro·ceed·er noun
• re·pro·ceed verb (used without object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of proceed¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English procede, from Latin prōcēdere; pro- ¹, cede

Word History and Origins

Origin of proceed¹

C14: from Latin prōcēdere to advance, from pro- ¹+ cēdere to go

Synonym Study

See advance.

Example Sentences

If it proceeds, the legal action would be the first of its kind brought against the pharmaceutical multinational in the UK.

From BBC

Bragg went on to say that “Consideration must be given to various non-dismissal options” including postponing all remaining proceedings in the case “until after the defendant’s upcoming presidential term.”

From Salon

They asked the judge to consider "non-dismissal options" that could included "deferral of all remaining criminal proceedings until after the end of Defendant's upcoming presidential term".

From BBC

After giving his speech to the conservative Republican women, Hegseth met several women at the hotel bar and proceeded to get drunk.

From Salon

At the time, the story manifested itself in a “very simple hand-drawn” short film about a cat and its fear of water — a universal narrative that allowed the story to proceed without a traditional antagonist.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• advance
• continue
• get
• go ahead
• go on
• pass
• press on
• progress
• travel