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yield

YEELD /jiːld/

verbnounB1IELTSTOEFL

generalofficial

To give way to other traffic or pedestrians, granting them the right-of-way before proceeding.

Requires slowing down or stopping if necessary to let another road user pass safely, but does not demand a complete stop if the intersection is clear.

The story behind the word. In Anglo-Saxon times, 'gieldan' meant paying taxes or handing over goods as tribute. By Middle English, giving up tribute evolved into 'surrendering ground', which was adopted into traffic terminology in the twentieth century as granting passage to oncoming cars.

Word relationships

give way: 'Give way' is the standard terminology in British English, while 'yield' is the primary American English traffic term.

assert: Asserting right-of-way means taking priority forcefully, whereas yielding means voluntarily granting priority.

Commonly confused with

stop: Stopping demands bringing wheels to a complete halt; yielding requires slowing and giving priority, stopping only if necessary.

Word family

yielding (adjective): Giving way under pressure or compliant.

Collocations

yield the right-of-way
yield sign
fail to yield
yield to pedestrians

Example sentences

"Drivers approaching a traffic roundabout must yield to vehicles already circulating inside the lane." Road Rules
"When making a right turn on green, motorists are legally required to yield to pedestrians crossing the walkway." Pedestrian Safety

Memory hook

YIELD means YOU LETS others pass first. YIELD = give way.

When not to use

Do not confuse yield with a stop sign; a stop sign requires a full halt regardless of nearby traffic, while yield requires stopping only when traffic is present.

Fun facts

The upside-down red and white triangle 'Yield' sign was invented in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1950 by police officer Clinton Riggs.