'succumb' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'succumbere,' where 'sub-' meant 'under' and 'cumbere' meant 'to lie down.'

'succumbere' transformed into the Old French word 'succomber,' and eventually became the modern English word 'succumb' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to lie down under,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'yielding or giving in to pressure or temptation.'