succor

[ suhk-er ]

noun

1. help; relief; aid; assistance.

   Synonyms: support

2. a person or thing that gives help, relief, aid, etc.

verb (used with object)

1. to help or relieve.

   Synonyms: support

Spelling Note

See -or ¹.

Other Words From

• succor·a·ble adjective
• succor·er noun
• non·succor noun
• un·succor·a·ble adjective
• un·succored adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of succor¹

1250–1300; (verb) Middle English sucuren from Old French suc(c)urre, socorre from Latin succurrere “to go beneath, run to help,” equivalent to suc- suc- + currere “to run” ( current ); (noun) Middle English soc(o)ur, back formation from sucurs (taken as plural) from Old French from Medieval Latin succursus, equivalent to Latin succur(rere) + -sus, var of -tus suffix of verbal action

Synonym Study

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Example Sentences

Roosevelt’s presidency established a new principle in American politics through the New Deal, that government exists to succor all its people, not just the wealthy.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead, the islanders met their humane responsibilities, providing succor to the deceived innocent victims and arranging the services they had been promised.

From Los Angeles Times

In addition to providing spiritual succor to those on strike, many rabbis have also joined the picket line themselves.

From Los Angeles Times

And prestige TV doesn’t appear to be in the mood to offer succor.

From Los Angeles Times

Elders say the land was blessed by Usen, their Creator, and inhabited by Ga’an, the mountain spirits or angels who provide spiritual succor and guidance to seekers.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• sustenance