give way

Definitions

1. 1

   To yield to persistent persuasion.

   • The mother gave way to her crying child.
   • Whether in consequence of this or not, the Liverpool company eventually gave way, and proceeded to build its portion of the work with some ill grace.
2. 2

   To collapse or break under physical stresses.

   • After years of neglect, the rusty old bridge could give way at any time.
   • 'Cause I'm praying for rain I'm praying for tidal waves I wanna see the ground give way I wanna watch it all go down
3. 3

   To be followed, succeeded, or replaced by.

   • Winter gave way to spring.
   • The native-born and the "naturalised" locomotives have been giving way to the standardised types, of which the L.M.S.R. class "5" 4-6-0 has led the way and has penetrated the furthest.
4. ›+ 4 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      To give precedence to other road users.

      • At the crossing, cars must give way to pedestrians.
   2. 5

      To allow another person to intervene to make a point or ask a question whilst one is…

      To allow another person to intervene to make a point or ask a question whilst one is delivering a speech.

      • "Yes, I will give way."
   3. 6

      To allow the expression of (a pent-up emotion, grief, etc.).

      • Seeing my eye fixed upon him, he went outside to give way to his grief in the passage.
   4. 7

      To begin rowing.

The neighborhood

• antonymway enoughbegin rowing