give up
verb
gave up; given up; giving up; gives up
1
: to yield control or possession of : surrender
forced to give up his job
2
: to desist from : abandon
refused to give up her efforts
3
: to declare incurable or insoluble
4
a
: to abandon (oneself) to a particular feeling, influence, or activity
gave himself up to despair
b
: to devote to a particular purpose or use
5
: to despair of seeing
we'd given you up
6
: to allow (a hit or run in baseball) while pitching
: to cease doing or attempting something especially as an admission of defeat : quit
—often used with on
don't give up on the project
Examples of give up in a Sentence
was in so much debt he had to give up his house and move into a cheaper apartment
I hope you won't give up playing the piano.
Recent Examples on the Web
The Americans win 5-4 in penalty kicks, with defender Brandi Chastain kicking in the game winner.
2010 — Paula Creamer wins her first major tournament, never giving up the lead during a steady final round of the U.S. Women’s Open.
—
Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025
In Game 161, Gary Knotts and Matt Roney gave up eight runs over the first five innings, digging an 8-0 hole.
—Ryan Ford, Freep.com, 10 July 2025
Hendricks gave up six hits, including a Kyle Higashioka homer that barely cleared the left-field fence.
—Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 10 July 2025
On Too Much, Jess, like Dunham, has a bald dog, procured after giving up a rescue (in this case named Cutesie) because of behavioral issues.
—Anna Peele, Rolling Stone, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for give up
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Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025
In Game 161, Gary Knotts and Matt Roney gave up eight runs over the first five innings, digging an 8-0 hole.
—Ryan Ford, Freep.com, 10 July 2025
Hendricks gave up six hits, including a Kyle Higashioka homer that barely cleared the left-field fence.
—Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 10 July 2025
On Too Much, Jess, like Dunham, has a bald dog, procured after giving up a rescue (in this case named Cutesie) because of behavioral issues.
—Anna Peele, Rolling Stone, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for give up
Cite this Entry
“Give up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/give%20up. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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