give back

English

Pronunciation

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Verb

give back (third-person singular simple present gives back, present participle giving back, simple past gave back, past participle given back)

1. (transitive) To return, restore (a thing to its original owner or location etc.).

   Give me back my book!

2. (transitive, intransitive, idiomatic) To contribute money, goods, or, especially, services for charitable purposes, as if in return for one's own success.

   We organize this Thanksgiving dinner at the old-age home to give back to the community.

3. (archaic) To recede; to retreat.
   • 1678, John Bunyan, The Pilgrim’s Progress from This World, to That which is to Come: , London: Nath Ponder , →OCLC; reprinted in The Pilgrim’s Progress as Originally Published by John Bunyan: Being a Fac-simile Reproduction of the First Edition, London: Elliot Stock , 1875, →OCLC, page 108:

     Yet the Fiends ſeemed to come nearer and nearer, but when they were come even almoſt at him, he cried out with a moſt vehement voice, I will walk in the ſtrength of the Lord God; ſo they gave back, and came no farther.

Derived terms

• giveback (noun)

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