give

verb (past gave /gāv/; past participle given /ˈgivən/)

• 1 [with two objects] freely transfer the possession of (something) to (someone); hand over to:they gave her water to drink the check given to the jeweler proved worthless [with object]:he gave the papers back
• bestow (love, affection, or other emotional support):his parents gave him the encouragement he needed to succeed (as adjective giving)he was very giving and supportive
• administer (medicine):she was given antibiotics
• hand over (an amount) in exchange or payment; pay:how much did you give for that?
• (give something for) place a specified value on (something):he never gave anything for French painting or for abstraction
• [with object] used hyperbolically to express how greatly one wants to have or do something:I’d give anything for a cup of tea I’d give my right arm to be in Othello
• communicate or impart (a message) to (someone):give my love to all the girls
• [with object] commit, consign, or entrust:a baby given into their care by the accident of her birth
• freely devote, set aside, or sacrifice for a purpose:all who have given thought to the matter agree [no object]:committee members who give so generously of their time and effort
• [with object] (of a man) sanction the marriage of (his daughter) to someone:he gave her in marriage to an English noble
• (give oneself to) dated consent to have sexual intercourse with (someone).
• pass on (an illness or infection) to (someone):I hope I don’t give you my cold
• [usually in imperative] make a connection to allow (someone) to speak to (someone else) on the telephone:give me the police
• cite or present when making a toast or introducing a speaker or entertainer:for your entertainment this evening I give you ... Mister Albert DeNiro!

• 2 [with two objects] cause or allow (someone or something) to have (something, especially something abstract); provide or supply with:you gave me such a fright [with object]:this leaflet gives our opening times
• allot or assign (a score) to:I gave it five out of ten
• sentence (someone) to (a specified penalty):for the first offense I was given a fine
• concede or yield (something) as valid or deserved in respect of (someone):give him his due
• allow (someone) to have (a specified amount of time) for an activity or undertaking:give me a second to bring the car around [with object]:I’ll give you until tomorrow morning
• informal predict that (an activity, undertaking, or relationship) will last no longer than (a specified time):this is a place that will not improve with time—I give it three weeks
• [with object] yield as a product or result:milk is sometimes added to give a richer cheese
• [with object] (give something off/out/forth) emit odor, vapor, or similar substances:it can be burned without giving off toxic fumes

• 3 [with object] carry out or perform (a specified action):I gave a bow [with two objects]:he gave the counter a polish
• utter or produce (a sound):he gave a gasp
• provide (a party or social meal) as host or hostess:a dinner given in honor of a Canadian diplomat [with two objects]:Korda gave him a going-away party

• 4 [with object] state or put forward (information or argument):he did not give his name
• pledge or assign as a guarantee: [with two objects]:I give you my word
• [with two objects, usually with negative] say to (someone) as an excuse or inappropriate answer:don’t give me any of your back talk
• deliver (a judgment) authoritatively:I gave my verdict
• present (an appearance or impression):he gave no sign of life
• [no object] informal tell what one knows:okay, give—what’s that all about?

• 5 [no object] alter in shape under pressure rather than resist or break:that chair doesn’t give
• yield or give way to pressure:the heavy door didn’t give until the fifth push figurativewhen two people who don’t get on are thrust together, something’s got to give
• North American informal concede defeat; surrender:I give!

noun

• capacity to bend or alter in shape under pressure; elasticity:plastic pots that have enough give to accommodate the vigorous roots
• ability to adapt or comply; flexibility:there is no give at all in the British position