The phrasal verb "yield to" is more often found in formal contexts, though it can occur in slightly less formal registers when discussing certain situations, such as traffic. It is commonly used to describe scenarios where one thing gives way to another, whether literally, as in yielding to oncoming traffic, or metaphorically, as in a person yielding to temptation or pressure. In legal and procedural contexts, "yield to" indicates the relinquishing of control or precedence, as when one must yield to a superior order or regulation. The usage of "yield to" often implies a structured or hierarchical setting where deference or submission to an external force or authority is necessary. Generally, in informal contexts, synonyms like "give in" or "give way" might be more frequently used.
B2
Advanced
1. To give in to pressure or force from others; to agree or surrender to someone else's request or authority.
She decided to yield to their demands after hours of negotiation.
The committee yielded to public pressure and changed the policy.
He yielded to her argument after realizing she was right.
Despite the difficulties, they eventually yielded to reason.
The government was forced to yield to international demands.
2. To be moved or affected by a physical or chemical force.
The metal will yield to extreme heat and melt.
Eventually, the door yielded to the constant pressure and opened.
The fabric yielded to the stretching forces applied during manufacturing.
The dam finally yielded to the relentless rushing water.
Watch how the material yields to different temperatures.