give over

verb

gave over; given over; giving over; gives over
Synonyms of give overnext

transitive verb

1
: cease
2
: entrust
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 alone …—Brendan Behan

Synonyms of give over

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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.
So much airtime is given over to such gatherings that, in effect, making and promoting the show become the beats of the show. — Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026 The rest of the property is given over to landscaped Mediterranean gardens and olive and almond groves, with views toward the Tramuntana Mountains. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026 Dudamel and the orchestra accompanied the eloquent Lila Downs and much of the evening was then given over to the popular, Grammy-gleaning Los Tigres del Norte. — Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 The Armory Sculpture section will include pieces by Sonya Clark, Rafael Ferrer, and Kaloki Nyamai, while the Armory Spotlight booth, given over to El Museo del Barrio this year, will feature a participatory textile installation by Lulu Varona. — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 20 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for give over

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Browse Nearby Words

give out
give over
give over to
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Cite this Entry

“Give over.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/give%20over. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

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