suc·cum·bence \səˈkəmbən(t)s\noun orsuccumbency\-nsē\ (pluralsuccumbencesorsuccumbencies) Etymology:succumbence from succumb + -ence; succumbency probably from Medieval Latin succumbentia failure in a cause, from Latin succumbent-, succumbens (present participle of succumbere) + -ia -y : the act or process of succumbing