GIVE WAY TO

v. phr. 1a. To make room for; allow to go or pass; yield to. John gave way to the old lady and let her pass. 1b. To allow to decide. Mrs. Rogers gave way lo her husband in buying the car. 1c. To lose control of (your feelings), not hold back. Timmy gave way to his feelings when his dog died. 2. or give place to . To be replaced by. Radio has given way to television in popularity. When she saw the clowns, the little girl's tears gave way lo laughter.