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 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

She also thanked X owner and billionaire Elon Musk, who funded her lawsuit against Disney, calling it a “Good Samaritan deed” from someone she had never met.

From Los Angeles Times

She also thanked Musk, saying she'd never met the tech billionaire but he stepped in to do this "Good Samaritan deed for me in funding my lawsuit".

From BBC

It would appear, at least for them, that the memory of Hulk Hogan, the good deeds he did and what he meant to professional wrestling, was and is much greater than Bollea’s great offenses.

From Salon

Though the deed was investigated by police at the time, the rapper was not charged.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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