'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 something,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to yield or give in to pressure or temptation.'