give way

1. Also, give way to . Yield to urging or demand, as in At the last minute he gave way and avoided a filibuster , or The owners gave way to their demands for a pay increase . [Mid-1700s]

2. Also, give way to . Abandon oneself, lose self-control, as in She gave way to hysteria , or Don't give way to despair . [First half of 1800s]

3. Collapse, fail, break down, as in The ladder gave way , or His health gave way under the strain . [Mid-1600s]

4. Yield the right of way; also, relinquish ascendancy, as in The cars must give way to the parade , or The children were called inside as day gave way slowly to night . [Early 1700s]

5. Retreat or withdraw, as in The army gave way before the enemy . [Early 1500s]

Example Sentences

But the jolly tone gives way to something fiercer and more appropriately epic: a galloping rhythm on the drums, insistent bass and scorching guitar notes.

From New York Times

Touchdown drives gave way to long lulls on offense.

From Los Angeles Times

In other words, the data suggest dense forests gave way to more open grasslands.

From Science Magazine

Self-government, which he says would give way to a “golden era of conservative policy reform.”

From Salon

Everything the Lakers did right in the opening minutes Wednesday quickly turned, as the team’s energy evaporated and their intentions gave way to bad habits.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abate
• decline
• decrease
• depress
• dilute
• diminish
• dwindle
• halt
• impair
• lessen
• lower
• reduce
• sap
• soften
• undermine
• wane