Skip to main content

give up the ghost — (of a person) to die, especially used in an old-fashioned or literary way

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: (of a person) to die, especially used in an old-fashioned or literary way

Pronunciation (IPA): /ɡɪv ʌp ðə ɡoʊst/

Example Sentences

  • My laptop gave up the ghost right before my final exam—typical!
  • The old man gave up the ghost peacefully in his sleep at the age of 95.
  • I could hear my ancient printer wheezing for weeks before it finally gave up the ghost.

give up the ghost

VERB

[/ɡɪv ʌp ðə ɡoʊst/]

(of a person) to die, especially used in an old-fashioned or literary way

While the old car drove smoothly down the highway earlier, it suddenly gave up the ghost and stopped moving completely.
💡 Concept

While the old car drove smoothly down the highway earlier, it suddenly gave up the ghost and stopped moving completely.

GIVE UP (release) + THE GHOST (soul) — by finally choosing to GIVE UP (release) his last breath to THE GHOST (spirit), the patient gave up the ghost.
🧠 Mnemonic

GIVE UP (release) + THE GHOST (soul) — by finally choosing to GIVE UP (release) his last breath to THE GHOST (spirit), the patient gave up the ghost.

Welcoming every guest as a kind host by the quiet ocean coast, the old lighthouse finally gave up the ghost.
🎵 Rhyme

Welcoming every guest as a kind host by the quiet ocean coast, the old lighthouse finally gave up the ghost.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

Start FreeDemo

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ɡɪv ʌp ðə ɡoʊst/
🇬🇧 UK/ɡɪv ʌp ðə ɡəʊst/

🌳Etymology

Origin

This phrase originates from the King James Bible and Old English usage. In Middle and Early Modern English, 'ghost' denoted the soul or spirit (as in 'Holy Ghost' for the Holy Spirit), not the supernatural apparition sense common today. The expression literally meant 'to surrender one's soul to God,' describing the moment of death or final breath.

Breakdown

give up (to surrender, relinquish) + ghost (soul, spirit—from Old English 'gast,' cognate with German 'Geist'). The phrase combines a directional verb phrase with a spiritual noun to express the release of life force at death.

🎵Rhyme

toastcoastroastboast
toast
coast
roast
boast

🔗Collocations

finally give up the ghost
the car gave up the ghost
give up the ghost peacefully
after years of service, give up the ghost
the old computer gave up the ghost
washing machine gives up the ghost

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My laptop gave up the ghost right before my final exam—typical!”

“The old man gave up the ghost peacefully in his sleep at the age of 95.”

😄 Fun example

“I could hear my ancient printer wheezing for weeks before it finally gave up the ghost.”

😄 Fun example

“After 200,000 miles, my car finally gave up the ghost on the highway.”

📚Related Words

Want to master 27,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.

Start for Free60s Demo