# give in to

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/give-in-to
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to stop fighting against something and finally agree to do it or let it happen.

For teachers: to cease resistance to an influence, desire, or demand; to yield to a superior force or persistent pressure.

## Examples

- I finally gave in to my daughter and bought her the toy.
- The government refused to give in to the protesters' demands despite the ongoing strikes.
- After hours of intense negotiation, the committee gave in to the pressure from the board and approved the controversial budget.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He gave in his boss." but "He gave in to his boss." — the preposition 'to' is necessary to indicate the person or force you are yielding to; 'give in' without 'to' usually means to submit work.

## Usage notes

- usually followed by a noun representing a person, a desire, or a specific demand.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'give up' (to stop trying a task); 'give in to' specifically implies a struggle between two opposing wills or an internal struggle against a temptation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.