erliegen
Translation
to succumb, to yield, to die of
Examples
Er erlag seinen schweren Verletzungen.
He succumbed to his serious injuries.
Sie erlag der Versuchung und aß die Schokolade.
She succumbed to the temptation and ate the chocolate.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.dat)) to succumb to (sth.) He succumbed to his injuries.
Similar Words
Synonyms: to give in, to be defeated, to die of; Antonyms: to resist, to survive
Etymology
Composed of the prefix 'er-' (denoting a final result) and 'liegen' (to lie). The combination suggests coming to a final state of lying down, i.e., 'to succumb'.
Memory Tips
Picture someone having to 'liegen' (lie) down for good ('er-') after being overcome by a force, like an illness or temptation.