v. & n.
v. 1 tr. hand over; relinquish possession of, esp. on compulsion or demand; give into another's power or control. 2 intr. a accept an enemy's demand for submission. b give oneself up; cease from resistance; submit. 3 intr. & refl. (foll. by to) give oneself over to a habit, emotion, influence, etc. 4 tr. give up rights under (a life-insurance policy) in return for a smaller sum received immediately. 5 tr. give up (a lease) before its expiry. 6 tr. abandon (hope etc.).
n. the act or an instance of surrendering. surrender to bail duly appear in a lawcourt after release on bail. surrender value the amount payable to one who surrenders a life-insurance policy.
[ ME f. AF f. OF surrendre (as SUR-(1), RENDER) ]