give back

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give back

1. (transitive) To return, restore (a thing to its original owner or location etc.).

   Give me back my book!

2. (transitive, intransitive, idiomatic) To contribute money, goods, or, especially, services for charitable purposes, as if in return for one's own success.

   We organize this Thanksgiving dinner at the old-age home to give back to the community.

3. (archaic) To recede; to retreat.
   • Bunyan

     They gave back and came no farther.