gives up

VERB

admit defeat

Synonyms

WEAK

abandon back down bail out bow out buckle under capitulate cave in cease cede chicken out collapse comply concede cry uncle cut out desist despair drop drop like a hot potato fold forswear hand over leave off pull out quit relinquish resign stop submit surrender take the oath throw in the towel waive walk out on wash one's hands of yield

Antonyms

WEAK

fight hold out stand up to withstand

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Despite the reluctance of her father, the underwater wizard Fujimoto, little Ponyo falls in love with her new friend and gives up her magical powers to become human.

From Barron's • Feb. 13, 2026

Twenty years after Clarence Allen’s death, Newsom has the chance to add an important chapter to that story and show that his state never gives up even on those who have been condemned to die.

From Slate • Jan. 16, 2026

Chicago gives up too many explosive plays and has next-to-no pass rush.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 4, 2026

A nongrantor trust’s creator gives up control over the assets, meaning the trust is responsible for the taxes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 27, 2025

Mom offers a few more conversation starters, but when I don’t answer, she gives up.

From "Muffled" by Jennifer Gennari