give over

verb

1. (tr) to transfer, esp to the care or custody of another

2. (tr) to assign or resign to a specific purpose or function

   the day was given over to pleasure

3. informal,  to cease (an activity)

   give over fighting, will you!

Idioms and Phrases

Hand over, entrust, as in They gave over all the papers to the library . [Late 1400s]

Also, give oneself over . Devote or surrender to a particular purpose or use, as in The whole day was given over to merrymaking , or He gave himself over to grief . [Late 1400s]

Related Words

• abandon 
• break off 
• cease 
• conclude 
• discontinue 
• drop 
• give up 
• halt 
• leave 
• retire 
• suspend 
• terminate 
• withdraw