online medical dictionary | definition of acquiesce

1. To rest satisfied, or apparently satisfied, or to rest without opposition and discontent (usually implying previous opposition or discontent); to accept or consent by silence or by omitting to object; followed by in, formerly also by with and to. "They were compelled to acquiesce in a government which they did not regard as just." (De Quincey)

2. To concur upon conviction; as, to acquiesce in an opinion; to assent to; usually, to concur, not heartily but so far as to forbear opposition.

Synonyms: To submit, comply, yield, assent, agree, consent, accede, concur, conform, accept tacitly.

Origin: L. Acquiescere; ad + quiescere to be quiet, fr. Quies rest: cf. F. Acquiescer. See Quiet.

(01 Mar 1998)