Definition of: succeed

(sək·sēd′) v.i.
1. To come next in order or sequence; follow; ensue.
2. To come after another into office, ownership, etc.; be the successor: often with to.
3. To be successful; accomplish what is attempted or intended; also, formerly, to achieve an end in a specified manner: They succeeded badly.
4. Law To devolve: said of an estate.
—v.t.
5. To be the successor or heir of.
6. To come after in time or sequence; follow. [<OF succeder <L succedere go under, follow after <sub- under + cedere go]
—suc·ceed′er noun Synonyms: achieve, attain, flourish, prevail, prosper, thrive, win. To win implies that someone loses, but one may succeed where no one fails. A solitary swimmer succeeds in reaching the shore; if we say he wins the shore we place him in competition with the water. Many students may succeed in study; a few win the special prizes for which all compete. See FOLLOW.