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Definitions

give up the ghost

VERB
die
Synonyms
STRONGEST
drown expire perish succumb
STRONG
conk croak decease demise depart drop finish suffocate
WEAK
be no more be taken breathe one's last cease to exist drop off go way of all flesh kick the bucket relinquish life rest in peace
Antonyms
STRONG
bear continue
WEAK
be born begin develop flourish grow improve live
VERB
perish
Synonyms
STRONGEST
cease crumble disappear disintegrate pass away rot succumb vanish wither
STRONG
collapse corrupt croak decease decompose demise depart end expire fall go pass waste
WEAK
OD be destroyed be killed be lost bite the dust break down buy the farm check out go under kick the bucket lose life pass on
Antonyms
STRONGEST
appear arrive build grow
STRONG
be born bear begin commence create improve rise start stay
WEAK
give birth revive
VERB
succumb
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bow break down buckle capitulate cave in cease defer give in give way go down pass away perish quit wilt yield
STRONG
accede cave collapse croak decease demise depart drop expire fall fold go knuckle pass submit
WEAK
eat crow fall victim to flake out give in to give out go under knuckle under meet waterloo pack it in show white flag take the count throw in the towel
Antonyms
STRONGEST
continue defend fight
STRONG
ascend deny refuse rise stay
WEAK
conquer overcome win

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Enduring the dour drudgery of “Last Rites,” it’s never been clearer that it’s time to give up the ghost.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 4, 2025

And in that sense, the best thing the governor ever did for his political career was to finally give up the ghost.

From Slate • Aug. 26, 2025

Entering the penultimate month of a dire 2022, world equity indices don't want to give up the ghost yet on the near 10% rebound since Oct.

From Reuters • Nov. 1, 2022

It wasn’t particularly dramatic, but it was a useful reminder that there are limits to what a smartphone can do before it’ll give up the ghost.

From The Verge • Dec. 24, 2021

The doctor recorded his regiment and company and dressed his wounds, but without much hope of success; the loss of blood being great, it was supposed he would soon give up the ghost.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party" by M.T. Anderson