give out

To give things to several people, usually one thing to each person.

• They give out free food here.
• She gave out tickets to everyone in the queue.
• Can you give these books out?

How to use it: give out something to someone (The teacher gave out worksheets to the class.); give something out (Please give these forms out.)

Similar words: hand out, distribute

Opposites: collect

Common phrases: give out leaflets, give out food, give something out

To stop working or supporting you because of damage, weakness, or heavy use.

• The engine gave out.
• My legs gave out near the finish line.
• The old bridge might give out under that weight.

Similar words: fail, break down, give way

Common phrases: give out suddenly, give out completely

To tell people something publicly or make information known.

• The office gave out the news yesterday.
• Officials refused to give out details of the agreement.
• They gave out that the factory would close.

How to use it: give out that… (The office gave out that the meeting had been postponed.)

Similar words: announce, report, make known

Opposites: conceal

Common phrases: give out information, give out details

To complain angrily or tell someone off, especially in Irish English.

• Stop giving out about the weather.
• She gave out to her son for coming home late.
• He was giving out all through dinner.

How to use it: give out to someone (Dad gave out to us for making a mess.); give out about something (She is always giving out about the traffic.)

Similar words: complain, tell off, scold

Common phrases: give out to someone, give out about something

To tell people that something is true when you are only pretending.

• He gave out that he was ill.
• They gave out that they had never met before.
• She had given out that the jewels were hers.

How to use it: give out that… (He gave out that he was a wealthy landowner.)

Similar words: pretend, claim falsely

Common phrases: give out falsely, give out publicly

To express strong feelings through speech, singing, or playing music.

• The singer really gave out tonight.
• He was giving out about everything he had suffered.
• The band gave out with raw emotion during the final song.

Similar words: pour out feelings, let loose

Common phrases: give out emotionally, give out onstage