give way
phrase
1
a
: retreat
b
: to yield the right of way
2
: to yield oneself without restraint or control
3
a
: to yield to or as if to physical stress
The roof gave way under heavy snow.
b
: to yield to entreaty or insistence
After several hours of debate, the opposition finally gave way.
4
: to yield place
Farmland has given way to shopping malls.
5
: to begin to row
Cite this Entry
“Give way.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/give%20way. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
