# give sth up

CEFR A2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/give-sth-up
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

To stop doing or having something, like a habit. It can also mean to stop trying to do something because it's too difficult.

For teachers: A transitive phrasal verb meaning to cease a habitual activity (e.g., smoking) or to abandon an effort or attempt.

## Examples

- He needs to give up junk food.
- She tried to learn the violin, but she gave it up after a few months.
- Despite pressure from his sponsors, the mountaineer refused to give up his lifelong ambition of summiting the unclimbed peak without supplemental oxygen.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He decided to give up it." but "He decided to give it up." — When the object is a pronoun (like 'it' or 'them'), it must go between the verb and the particle.

## Usage notes

- Often used with habits (like smoking), foods (like sugar), or activities (like a hobby).
- Teaching tip: Contrast with 'give in', which means to yield to pressure, whereas 'give up' means to quit an activity or abandon an effort.

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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.