What is proceed? What is proceed? To go forward or onward, especially after an interruption; continue: proceeded to his destination; paused to clear her throat, then proceeded. To begin to carry on an action or a process: looked surprised, then proceeded to roar with laughter. To move on in an orderly manner: Business proceeded as usual. To come from a source; originate or issue: behavior proceeding from hidden motives. See Synonyms at stem1.Law To institute and conduct legal action: proceeded against the defaulting debtor. The amount of money derived from a commercial or fundraising venture; the yield.