give over

verb

gave over; given over; giving over; gives over

transitive verb

1
: cease
2
3
a
: to yield without restraint or control : abandon
gave themselves over to laughter
b
: to set apart for a particular purpose or use
4
archaic : to pronounce incurable

intransitive verb

British : to cease an activity : stop
told him to give over and let me aloneBrendan Behan

Examples of give over in a Sentence

his wife suggested that he give over working such long hours if it was making him so unhappy gave over his entire savings to an investor
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But the Emmy Award winner was also candid about his own mortality — and how many second chances at life he had been given over the years. Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 26 Feb. 2025 Inevitably, the job is given over more to paraphrase and gloss than to original narrative. Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025 To prevent islet rejection, immune-suppressing drugs are given over the long term. Paul McClure 23, New Atlas, 23 Feb. 2025 Plus: Friday Night Smackdown will take place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse the night before Royal Rumble, giving over 10,000 fans the chance to see what storylines will take center stage when the Rumble begins. Justin L. MacK, Axios, 24 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for give over

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of give over was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Give over.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/give%20over. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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