v. 1. To make known; let it be known; publish. Mary gave out that she and Bob were going to be married. 2. To let escape; give. The cowboy gave out a yell.
Synonym: GIVE OFF, LET GO. 3. to give to people; distribute. The barber gives out free lollipops to all the children.
Compare: HAND OUT, PASS OUT. 4. To fail; collapse. Tom's legs gave out and he couldn't run any farther. The chair gave out under the fat man.
Compare: WEAR OUT. 5. To be finished or gone. When the food at the party gave out, they bought more. The teacher's patience gave out.
Synonym: RUN OUT, RUN SHORT.
Compare: USE UP, WEAR OUT. 6. slang Not to hold back; act freely; let yourself go. Often used in the imperative. You're not working hard, Charley. Give out! 7. informal To show how you feel. When Jane saw the mouse, she gave out with a scream. Give out with a little smile.
Compare: LET GO.