misgive

[ mis-giv ]

verb (used with object)

, mis·gave, mis·giv·en, mis·giv·ing.

1. (of one's mind, heart, etc.) to give doubt or apprehension to.

verb (used without object)

, mis·gave, mis·giv·en, mis·giv·ing.

1. to be apprehensive.

misgive

/ mɪsˈɡɪv /

verb

1. to make or be apprehensive or suspicious

Word History and Origins

Origin of misgive¹

First recorded in 1505–15; mis- ¹ + give

Example Sentences

He seems to have understood everything from varieties of sword to species of misgiving.

From Washington Post

It was rather discouraging, wearisome work, and Billy's heart began to misgive him as one after another refused his request.

From Project Gutenberg

He searched the air like Nisus the forest in his quest of Euryalus, and his mind began to misgive him.

From Project Gutenberg

I misgive me he'll come in for a wetting if he doesn't tie wings to his heels.

From Project Gutenberg

Love is a matter of give and take—marriage, a matter of misgive and mistake.

From Project Gutenberg

"We may both have need for the exercise ere we depart hence, or my thoughts misgive me," replied Mortimer.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• distrust
• hesitate
• impugn
• suspect