Give way to something Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Transition Indicates a change in feelings or mindset from one state to another. Suspicion gave way to trust as they worked together. Pro Tip 2/3Sequential Events Shows that one event leads to the onset of another, often with some causal relationship. Dusk gave way to a beautiful starry night. Pro Tip 3/3Power Dynamics Used to describe the act of losing authority or control to another person or group. The incumbent gave way to the newly elected leader.