succour: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Very low frequency; literary/formal)Literary, formal, archaic in everyday use; common in religious, historical, or poetic contexts.
Quick answer
What does “succour” mean?
To give help or assistance, especially in times of difficulty or distress.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To give help or assistance, especially in times of difficulty or distress.
Relief, aid, or support provided to someone suffering or in need; can also refer to the act of giving such help.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling 'succour' is standard in British English. The American English spelling is 'succor'. Both have the same meaning and usage patterns.
Connotations
In both varieties, the word carries a formal, somewhat archaic, and often moral or heroic tone. It is more likely found in written texts than spoken language.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary American spoken English. Slightly more prevalent in British English due to its retention in traditional hymns, legal documents, and historical narratives, but still very low frequency.
Grammar
How to Use “succour” in a Sentence
VERB + succour (to/for) + NOUN (recipient)succour + VERB (e.g., arrive, come)NOUN (recipient) + receive/find + succour + in/from + NOUN (source)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “succour” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The charity brings succour to refugees fleeing the conflict.
- In his darkest hour, he found succour in poetry.
- The weary soldiers prayed for succour.
American English
- The relief organization provided succor to the flood victims.
- She sought succor in her faith during the illness.
- They offered both material and spiritual succor.
verb
British English
- The local villagers succoured the wounded airmen.
- Her kindness succoured him in his grief.
- It is our duty to succour the oppressed.
American English
- They vowed to succor the poor and the homeless.
- The treaty was designed to succor the beleaguered nation.
- Nurses succored the injured throughout the night.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, literary, or theological studies to describe aid in crises (e.g., 'The monastery provided succour to pilgrims').
Everyday
Extremely rare; would sound deliberately old-fashioned or poetic.
Technical
Not used in technical fields; reserved for humanitarian or religious discourse.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “succour”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “succour”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “succour”
- Misspelling as 'succor' in UK contexts or 'succour' in US contexts (minor).
- Using it in casual conversation where 'help' or 'aid' is expected, making speech sound stilted.
- Incorrect pronunciation: /ˈsʌkər/ is wrong; the final 'r' is not pronounced in RP British English.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word primarily found in literary, religious, or historical contexts.
'Succour' is far more formal and carries a stronger connotation of providing relief in times of acute suffering or danger. 'Help' is neutral and universal.
Yes, but it is even rarer than its noun form. It means 'to give assistance to in times of hardship or distress'.
In standard British English (RP), the 'r' is not pronounced. In American English, where it is spelled 'succor', the 'r' is pronounced.
To give help or assistance, especially in times of difficulty or distress.
Succour is usually literary, formal, archaic in everyday use; common in religious, historical, or poetic contexts. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A succour in times of trouble”
- “To be a succour to someone”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SUCCOUR' as 'SUCKing the COURage' out of a difficult situation by providing help.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUCCOUR IS A LIFE-GIVING SUBSTANCE (e.g., 'bring succour', 'offer succour'). SUCCOUR IS A SAFE HAVEN (e.g., 'find succour in').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'succour' LEAST likely to be used?