give away

The phrase "give away" has multiple meanings, from donating items to revealing secrets.

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Definition

B1General

(common)To donate or distribute something freely without expecting anything in return.

Example

The charity gave away blankets to the homeless.
They decided to give away their old furniture to those in need.

B2General

(common)To reveal or disclose information, often unintentionally.

Example

She accidentally gave away the surprise party details.
His nervous expression gave away his secret.

B2Ceremonial

(formal)To ceremonially deliver a bride to the groom at a wedding.

Example

Her father gave her away at the wedding.

C1Sports

(technical)To make an error that allows the opponent to gain an advantage.

Example

The team gave away a crucial point in the last minute.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "give away":

give out hand out give about make away give it to someone throw away give over have it away give in give it up give back give off hand over take away give up give against make away with go free sell away what gives dish out deal out let go give way