rhizoverbBeta
DictionarysuccorHelp in distress
noun / verb

succor

SUK-er/ˈsʌkər/

Help or relief for someone in hardship or distress.

The offered water and comforting touch bring succor to the exhausted man.

An exhausted older man sits on a low park bench while another man offers him drinking water and places a comforting hand on his shoulder, making tangible relief in distress the focus.
Etymology
sucLatinup to
+corLatinrun

The underlying image is running up to someone to help. From hastening to another's aid, the noun came to name the help or relief itself.

In context

Libranima392:49
to allow himself to be killed on the threshold of Notre- Dame, to resist at least until succor arrived, if it should arrive
The Hunchback of Notre-Dame - Hugo (Illustrated Audiobook) Part 2 of 2

More examples

  • Neighbors bring food and succor to the grieving family.
  • Volunteers succor injured hikers until the rescue team arrives.
  • She finds succor in her friends during a difficult recovery.

Forms

succor · succors · succored · succoring

Similar words

aid
Covers assistance generally, not just help during hardship or distress.
relief
Emphasizes easing suffering or need rather than the help provided.
comfort
Focuses on easing emotional pain rather than meeting practical needs.