give away

verb

1. to donate or bestow as a gift, prize, etc

2. to sell very cheaply

3. to reveal or betray (esp in the phrases give the game or show away )

4. to fail to use (an opportunity) through folly or neglect

5. to present (a bride) formally to her husband in a marriage ceremony

6. informal,  to give up or abandon (something)

noun

1. a betrayal or disclosure of information, esp when unintentional

2. something given, esp with articles on sale, at little or no charge to increase sales, attract publicity, etc

3. journalism another name for freesheet

4. a radio or television programme characterized by the award of money and prizes

5. (modifier)

   1. very cheap (esp in the phrase giveaway prices )

   2. free of charge

      a giveaway property magazine

Idioms and Phrases

Make a gift of, bestow, as in I decided to give away all my plants . [c. 1400]

Present a bride to the groom in a marriage ceremony, as in Her father gave Karen away . [c. 1700]

Reveal or make something known, often unintentionally; also, betray or expose someone. For example, She gave away her true feelings , or He gave away his accomplices . This idiom is sometimes put as give oneself away , as in If you don't want the family to know about your gambling, don't give yourself away by spending your winnings . [Late 1800s]

Example Sentences

In theory, county officials first try to find relatives; only if they cannot locate anyone is the body given away.

From BBC

The Mariners' shirt he is wearing on his stroll through the town centre might also give away his allegiances.

From BBC

In addition to hosting perfume making and lipstick reading — which is like tarot card reading, but with lipstick — the store gave away an advance copy of “By Invitation Only.”

From Los Angeles Times

Poisoning is one of the main threats they face, with poachers fearing circling vultures will give away their location.

From BBC

"They got over the gainline and they held the ball, while we gave away penalties which just fed their game. They're a quality team and we were outclassed."

From BBC

Related Words

• devote 
• donate 
• hand out