give over

To stop doing something, especially something annoying.

• Oh, give over!
• Give over teasing your little brother.
• Will you give over complaining about the weather?

How to use it: give over doing something (Give over making so much noise.)

Similar words: stop, quit, give up

Opposites: continue

Common phrases: give over, give over complaining, give over teasing

To use something entirely for one purpose, or give yourself completely to an activity.

• They gave the field over to football.
• The factory has been given over to making bicycles.
• He gave himself over to his work after the move.

How to use it: give something over to something (They gave the upper floor over to storage.); give oneself over to something (She gave herself over to painting.)

Similar words: devote, dedicate

Common phrases: give over something, give over space

To give something to another person to keep or deal with.

• Give the keys over to the caretaker.
• She gave the papers over to a trusted friend.
• They have given control over to a new manager.

How to use it: give something over to someone (He gave the documents over to his lawyer.)

Similar words: hand over, entrust

Common phrases: give over something, give over control