Dictionary.com

misgive

[ mis-giv ]
/ mɪsˈgɪv /
Save This Word!
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.
QUIZ
THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?
Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
Question 1 of 7
In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

Origin of misgive

First recorded in 1505–15; mis-1 + give
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use misgive in a sentence

  • London had always sounded bleak and distant and terrible to her; and her heart had misgiven her at the idea of leaving her aunt.

    He Knew He Was Right|Anthony Trollope
  • And yet it would have misgiven him more had he allowed himself to be entrapped by Miss Dawkins.

  • His own mind had long misgiven him on the lawfulness of his marriage.

  • His heart had often misgiven him when he had thought of Caroline.

    The Young Duke|Benjamin Disraeli

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
FEEDBACK