phrasal verb
give up
giv UP
Give up (phrasal verb) means to stop trying to do something because it has become too hard or seems hopeless. Example: “Don't give up now, you are two chapters from the end.”
phrasal verb
1
To stop trying to do something because it has become too hard or seems hopeless.
"Don't give up now, you are two chapters from the end."
"After six months of applications she gave up and went back to freelancing."
2
To stop doing or having something, especially a habit or pleasure.
"He gave up smoking the day his daughter was born."
"I have given up caffeine for the month."
3
To hand something over, or to surrender yourself, to someone else.
"She gave up her seat to an older passenger."
"The suspect gave himself up at the police station."
How to use give up
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishStop trying, or stop doing something for good.
When to use it
Everyday English, suitable in all but the most formal writing, where 'abandon' or 'relinquish' may fit better.
Memory tip
It is separable with an object noun ('give up chocolate' or 'give chocolate up'), but a pronoun must go in the middle: 'give it up', never 'give up it'.
Easily confused with
give in
give out
give away
Common pairings
give up hope
give up smoking
never give up
give yourself up
give up on someone
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Don't _____ now, you are two chapters from the end.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for give up
See all rhymes for give up →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between give up and give in?
Give up means to stop trying altogether. Give in means to stop resisting someone else's pressure and let them have their way. You give up on a puzzle; you give in to a child who has been begging for sweets.
What is the difference between 'give up' and 'give up on'?
Give up takes the activity as its object: 'she gave up running'. Give up on takes the person or the hope you are abandoning: 'she gave up on running', meaning she lost faith in it, or 'don't give up on me'.
Is 'give up' formal enough for an essay?
It is fine in most writing, but for academic prose consider abandon, relinquish, discontinue or renounce, which are more formal and often more precise.
What is the meaning of give up?
"give up" (phrasal verb) means to stop trying to do something because it has become too hard or seems hopeless.
