misgive

[ mis-giv ]

See synonyms for: misgive misgiving on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object),mis·gave, mis·giv·en, mis·giv·ing.

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

verb (used without object),mis·gave, mis·giv·en, mis·giv·ing.

to be apprehensive.

Origin of misgive

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

Words Nearby misgive

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use misgive in a sentence

He seems to have understood everything from varieties of sword to species of misgiving.
Shakespeare still matters. A new book reminds us why. | Michael Sims | September 9, 2021 | Washington Post
It was rather discouraging, wearisome work, and Billy's heart began to misgive him as one after another refused his request.
The English Orphans | Mary Jane Holmes
He searched the air like Nisus the forest in his quest of Euryalus, and his mind began to misgive him.
Georges Guynemer | Henry Bordeaux
I misgive me he'll come in for a wetting if he doesn't tie wings to his heels.
Barbara Lynn | Emily J. Jenkinson
Love is a matter of give and take—marriage, a matter of misgive and mistake.
A Guide to Men | Helen Rowland

"We may both have need for the exercise ere we depart hence, or my thoughts misgive me," replied Mortimer.
Traditions of Lancashire, Volume 2 (of 2) | John Roby

British Dictionary definitions for misgive

misgive

/ (mɪsˈɡɪv) /

verb-gives, -giving, -gave or -given

to make or be apprehensive or suspicious

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Browse