Meanings
Literally, to release one's spirit or soul from the body at death. From Middle English "gaf up þe gost", "ʒave up þe gost", from Old English phrases as "hēo āġeaf hire gāst" (literally, "she gave up her ghost [spirit]"), "þæt iċ gāst mīnne āġifan mōte" (literally, "that I must give up my ghost [spirit]"). Compare German den Geist aufgeben and Dutch de geest geven.
How to pronounce "give up the ghost":
AU
To cease clinging to life; to die.
To quit; to cease functioning.
Example: "My old computer finally gave up the ghost the other day."
To cede a commitment to or identification with.
Example Sentences
1
Despite the team's efforts, they had to give up the ghost and admit defeat.
2
The aging actor decided to give up the ghost and retire from the stage.
3
Despite the team's efforts, they had to give up the ghost and withdraw from the tournament.
