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give up — 3 meanings

Same words, different jobs. Compare the meanings side by side so you know which one fits the situation.

phrasal verb3 meanings
give upsame phrase

Which one do you mean?

stop trying

After several failed attempts, she decided to give up learning the guitar.

quit a habit

He gave up smoking last year and feels much healthier now.

surrender to authorities

After weeks on the run, the suspect finally gave himself up to the police.

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Meanings in detail

1. stop trying

B1neutralboth

To stop making an effort to do something because it is too difficult or seems impossible.

After several failed attempts, she decided to give up learning the guitar.

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2. quit a habit

B1neutralboth

To stop doing something that you do regularly, especially something unhealthy or unwanted.

He gave up smoking last year and feels much healthier now.

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3. surrender to authorities

C2neutralboth

To formally surrender oneself or someone else to the police or another authority, often after being sought or pursued.

After weeks on the run, the suspect finally gave himself up to the police.

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