deed

[deed]

noun

1. something that is done, performed, or accomplished; an act.

   Do a good deed every day.

2. an exploit or achievement; feat.

   brave deeds.

3. Often deeds. an act or gesture, especially as illustrative of intentions, one's character, or the like.

   Her deeds speak for themselves.

4. Law.,  a writing or document executed under seal and delivered to effect a conveyance, especially of real estate.

verb (used with object)

1. to convey or transfer by deed.

deed

/ diːd /

noun

1. something that is done or performed; act

2. a notable achievement; feat; exploit

3. action or performance, as opposed to words

4. law a formal legal document signed, witnessed, and delivered to effect a conveyance or transfer of property or to create a legal obligation or contract

verb

1. (tr) to convey or transfer (property) by deed

Other Word Forms

• deedless adjective
• redeed verb (used with object)
• undeeded adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of deed¹

before 900; Middle English dede, Old English dēd, variant of dǣd; cognate with German Tat, Gothic gadēths; do ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of deed¹

Old English dēd; related to Old High German tāt, Gothic gadeths; see _do ¹

Synonym Study

See action.

Example Sentences

The framing by the president - that this was not just the deed of a twisted individual but of the radical left more broadly - is being echoed by other White House officials.

From BBC

Dr Matthews, also known as the "Toss Master", told BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland that judges heard "rumours and murmurings of some nefarious deeds".

From BBC

They have embellished those spreadsheet credentials with their deeds on the pitch too.

From BBC

The Reform UK leader said the money used to purchase the property was "legally hers", adding: "She bought the house, the deeds are in her name, council tax is in her name."

From BBC

The document, drawn up by Thomas Nash on 25 August 1642, was discovered by Dr Dan Gosling, a historian at The National Archives, who was looking through unlisted boxes containing hundreds of deeds.

From BBC

Related Words

• accomplishment 
• act 
• action 
• adventure 
• fact 
• feat 
• reality 
• truth