give out

British  

verb

1. (tr) to emit or discharge

2. (tr) to publish or make known

   the chairman gave out that he would resign

3. (tr) to hand out or distribute

   they gave out free chewing gum on the street

4. (intr) to become exhausted; fail

   the supply of candles gave out

5. informal to reprimand (someone) at length

6. (tr) cricket (of an umpire) to declare (a batsman) dismissed

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give out Idioms  

1. Allow to be known, declare publicly, as in They gave out that she was ill . [Mid-1300s]

2. Send forth, emit, as in The machine gave out a steady buzzing . [Mid-1400s]

3. Distribute, as in They gave out surplus food every week . [c. 1700]

4. Stop functioning, fail; also, become exhausted or used up. For example, The motor gave out suddenly , or My strength simply gave out . [First half of 1500s]

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Example Sentences

"Legality is the Pentagon's responsibility as the end user," the official said, adding that the department "has only given out lawful orders."

From Barron's

He gave out two Medals of Honor, a Purple Heart and a Presidential Medal of Freedom during his speech.

From Los Angeles Times

The money lines: “Whoever is giving out those permits is a VIP…Unless they’re dead.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Wristbands were given out by door staff as those who waited were let inside to buy tickets.

From BBC

In her personal life, she’s vigilant about avoiding online data tracking and maintains a landline in her Bay Area home to avoid giving out her cell phone number.

From Los Angeles Times