give way

verb gives way · giving way · gave way · given way

1. To yield to persistent persuasion. The mother gave way to her crying child.
2. To collapse or break under physical stresses. After years of neglect, the rusty old bridge could give way at any time.
3. To be followed, succeeded, or replaced by. Winter gave way to spring.
4. To give precedence to other road users. At the crossing, cars must give way to pedestrians.
5. To allow another person to intervene to make a point or ask a question whilst one is delivering a speech. "Yes, I will give way."
6. To allow the expression of (a pent-up emotion, grief, etc.). Seeing my eye fixed upon him, he went outside to give way to his grief in the passage.
7. imperative To begin rowing.