submission
suhb-MISH-uhn
/səbˈmɪʃən/
The action or fact of accepting or yielding to a superior force or to the will or authority of another person.
In combat sports, it refers to a specific victory condition where one fighter 'taps out' due to a hold.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'sub' (under) and 'mittere' (to send or put). Literally, it means 'to put oneself under' the power of another. It has been used for centuries to describe both physical and political yielding.
Word relationships
- surrender: Surrender is a general giving up, while submission is the state of being under another's control.
- compliance: Compliance is following rules, while submission implies a more forceful yielding.
- resistance: Resistance is the act of fighting back, the direct opposite of yielding in submission.
- defiance: Defiance is a bold refusal to obey, whereas submission is the acceptance of authority.
Commonly confused with
- defeat: Defeat is just losing; submission is actively acknowledging that you cannot continue.
Word family
- submissive (adjective): Ready to conform to the authority or will of others.
- submit (verb): To yield to a superior force.
Collocations
- force into submission
- submission hold
- tap out in submission
Example sentences
- "The champion won the match by submission in the second round using a rear-naked choke." Describing a fight ending.
- "The defeated army was forced into total submission after the capital fell." Metaphorical use in history.
Memory hook
When you 'submit' a paper, you 'put it under' the teacher's review. In a fight, you 'put yourself under' the opponent's win. Sub = Under. Mission = Sent. Sent under.
When not to use
In a professional context, it often means 'handing in a document,' so ensure the context is clear.
Fun facts
- In the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), a 'submission specialist' is a fighter who focuses on grappling and joint locks.
Explore more words
submit, submissive, deference, Obedience, subjugation, defer
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