recede

¹

[ ri-seed ]

verb (used without object)

, re·ced·ed, re·ced·ing.

1. to go or move away; retreat; go to or toward a more distant point; withdraw.
2. to become more distant.
3. (of a color, form, etc., on a flat surface) to move away or be perceived as moving away from an observer, especially as giving the illusion of space. Compare advance ( def 15 ).
4. to slope backward:

   a chin that recedes.

5. to draw back or withdraw from a conclusion, viewpoint, undertaking, promise, etc.

   Synonyms: retreat, retire

recede

²

[ ree-seed ]

verb (used with object)

, re·ced·ed, re·ced·ing.

1. to cede back; yield or grant to a former possessor.

recede

/ rɪˈsiːd /

verb

1. to withdraw from a point or limit; go back

   the tide receded

2. to become more distant

   hopes of rescue receded

3. to slope backwards

   apes have receding foreheads

4. 1. (of a man's hair) to cease to grow at the temples and above the forehead
   2. (of a man) to start to go bald in this way
5. to decline in value or character
6. usually foll by from to draw back or retreat, as from a promise

Word History and Origins

Origin of recede¹

First recorded in 1470–80; from Latin recēdere “to go back, fall back”; equivalent to re- + cede

Origin of recede²

First recorded in 1765–75; re- + cede

Word History and Origins

Origin of recede¹

C15: from Latin recēdere to go back, from re- + cēdere to yield, cede

Example Sentences

Scientists are not sure whether the floods in Unity State will ever recede.

From BBC

At least they did once the water had receded sufficiently for them to climb down from trees and clamber off their cars and try to re-orientate themselves.

From BBC

The problem is that when tidal waves recede they leave a tremendous amount of damage in their wake and I'm afraid it's going to be especially devastating in America.

From Salon

Not long after my panicked online search, the bulge I felt when removing my menstrual cup receded back upward along with any fears I had surrounding prolapse.

From Salon

In the early 2000s, the GOP receded back into moon status.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abate
• decrease
• diminish
• dwindle
• ebb
• fade
• fall back
• lessen
• reduce
• retreat
• shrink
• sink
• subside
• taper
• wane