What does succor mean?
Succor is a formal word for aid or assistance, particularly help given to people who are in danger, hardship, or urgent need. It can function as a noun, as in "give succor," or as a verb, meaning "to help or assist." The word often suggests practical relief and support, rather than encouragement alone: a rescue team provides succor, while a community offers succor to families affected by a disaster. In contemporary English it is more literary and less common than "help," "aid," or "assistance." North American speakers generally use "succor," whereas British speakers usually spell it "succour." Despite its formal tone, the word remains useful because it conveys the urgency and humanitarian character of assistance in a way that the more general term "help" may not.
Aid, assistance, or relief, especially help given to someone in distress.
"They waited for succor until the storm had passed."
Formal and literary; especially common in North American English in the spelling "succor."
To help or assist someone in distress or need.
"The helicopter succored the climbers stranded on the ridge."
Less common than "help" in everyday speech and generally more common in North American English.
The plural is used chiefly when referring to multiple acts, instances, or sources of assistance.
"The survivors received succors from several neighboring villages."
Succor is a word for help that carries a strong sense of relief in times of danger or desperate need.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does succor come from?
Succor comes through Middle English from Old French socour, meaning help or aid. The Old French word was borrowed from the Latin succurrere, meaning "to run to help" or "to come to the assistance of." The Latin past participle succursus helped form the noun meaning help or support, and the word has cognate relatives in several European languages.
Related word forms
How succor is actually used
The word is formal and relatively literary in modern English. In North American usage, "succor" is standard; British English generally prefers "succour," although both spellings are understood.
Easily confused with succor
The two words have the same meaning, but "succour" is the usual British spelling while "succor" is more common in North American English.