Meaning and usage of the word give over in English

The origin of the phrase "give over" can be traced back to the early 19th century in British English. At the time, the term "over" meant "spent," "used up," or "done with," as in "I'm over eating sweets." The phrase "give over" can be thought of as a combination of these two meanings. Literally, "give over" is to give something up or relinquish control over it. In its original context, it referred to relinquishing something that was perceived as "spent," which was often applied to situations where the person was exhausted, finished, or simply had had enough. It's not entirely clear how "give over" came to be used in this way. However, linguistic experts believe that it likely originated as a dialectical variant of the phrase "give way" or "give in," which referred to giving up or surrendering in the face of overwhelming circumstances. Over time, the meaning of "give over" has evolved to encompass a broader range of situations. Today, it is often used to request that someone stop doing something, whether it's a specific action or a general attitude or behavior. It's a colloquial phrase that is still widely used in British English and, to a lesser extent, in American English. In short, "give over" is a colorful and versatile expression that has roots in the 19th century, but it continues to be relevant and useful in modern English. Its origins in the meaning of "over" as a word meaning "spent" remind us of the rich history and complexity of the English language.