Definition of yield to

The phrase "yield to" has its origins in the field of transportation, specifically in relationship to drivers sharing the road. It was first used in the United States in the 1920s and 1930s to denote a situation where one driver must give up the right of way to another driver who has priority. The phrase "yield" derives from the Old English word "gegynnan," which means to surrender or give way. In the context of driving, the meaning of "yield to" is specific to certain types of road signage. For example, the sign that says "Yield" typically appears in areas where traffic signals are not present, such as at a junction or intersection. It signals to the driver approaching the sign that they need to slow down and allow traffic that is already present on the road to pass through or merge before continuing forward. Over time, the phrase "yield to" has been adopted in other contexts beyond transportation, such as in business, athletics, and academics, to denote a situation where one person or entity should give priority to another. It is used to express a willingness to defer or surrender an advantage or privilege, in recognition of a higher authority, statute, or circumstance.