GIVE WAY

{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.