v. 1. To go back; retreat. The enemy army is giving way before the cannon fire.
Compare: FALL BACK. 2. To make room, get out of the way. The children gave way and let their mother through the door.
Compare: MAKE WAY. 3. To lose control of yourself; lose your courage or hope; yield. Mrs. Jones didn't give way during the flood, but she was very frightened.
Compare: GIVE UP, LOSE ONE'S HEAD. 4. To collapse; fail. The river was so high that the dam gave way. Mary's legs gave way and she fainted.
Compare: GIVE OUT 4 , LET GO(1a). 5. To let yourself be persuaded; give permission. Billy kept asking his mother if he could go to the movies and she finally gave way.
Compare: GIVE IN.