give over: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, colloquial (especially the imperative sense). More formal in the passive 'given over to' construction.
Quick answer
What does “give over” mean?
To stop doing something, to cease.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To stop doing something, to cease; also to hand over control or responsibility.
An imperative used to tell someone to stop being annoying, silly, or to stop doing something. In some contexts, it can mean to devote or dedicate oneself to something. Also used in passive constructions ('to be given over to') meaning to be devoted to a particular purpose.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The imperative "Give over!" meaning 'stop it' is almost exclusively British/Irish informal speech. The construction 'given over to' (devoted to) is understood in AmE but less frequent and more literary/formal. Americans are more likely to say "Cut it out!" or "Knock it off!" for the imperative.
Connotations
In BrE, the imperative is casual, often good-natured or mildly exasperated. In AmE, if used, it might sound like a Britishism. The 'devoted to' sense carries a formal, sometimes solemn connotation in both varieties.
Frequency
Very common in UK informal speech; rare in US speech except in specific passive constructions.
Grammar
How to Use “give over” in a Sentence
[imperative] Give over!give over + V-inggive over + NP + to + NPbe given over + to + NPVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “give over” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Oh, give over, you're making me laugh!
- Can you give over nagging for five minutes?
- He gave over the management of the estate to his daughter.
American English
- (Rare in speech) She finally gave over trying to convince him.
- The ceremony was given over to remembrance.
- They gave the building over for use as a shelter.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in 'The meeting was given over to discussing the budget.'
Academic
Used in descriptive/passive form: 'The chapter is given over to an analysis of the data.'
Everyday
Very common (BrE): 'Give over moaning about the weather!'
Technical
Unlikely, except in specific contexts like land use: 'The western field is given over to solar panels.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “give over”
- Using 'give over' in formal AmE contexts. *'The manager gave over the presentation.' (Use 'handed over'). Confusing it with 'give up' (surrender, quit a habit).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Give over' means to stop an action or to devote. 'Give up' means to surrender, quit permanently, or admit defeat (e.g., give up smoking, give up a seat).
Americans will understand the 'devoted to' sense (e.g., 'given over to'), but the imperative 'Give over!' sounds distinctly British. Americans typically use 'cut it out' or 'knock it off' instead.
It has two registers. The imperative 'Give over!' is very informal and colloquial (BrE). The passive construction 'be given over to' is more formal and can be used in writing.
Use 'gave over'. For the 'stop' meaning: 'He finally gave over whistling.' For the 'devote' meaning: 'They gave over the proceeds to charity.' The past participle is 'given over', often used in passive voice: 'The room was given over to storage.'
To stop doing something, to cease.
Give over: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡɪv ˈəʊvə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡɪv ˈoʊvər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Give it a rest!”
- “Give over, will you?”
- “A life given over to service.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone handing over (giving over) a noisy megaphone to get them to STOP making noise. 'Give over' the noise = STOP.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTROL IS AN OBJECT (you hand it over when you stop). TIME/SPACE IS A CONTAINER (can be filled/given over to an activity).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'Give over!' MOST appropriately used?