"Given over to" is a phrase that refers to an act of surrendering or dedicating oneself or something entirely to a particular cause, activity, or state. It implies a complete surrender or devoting, with the utmost dedication and commitment. This phrase often relates to someone or something being wholly engaged with a specific purpose, and completely absorbed in or consumed by it.
In a literal sense, "given over to" can describe the act of delivering or entrusting someone or something to someone else's care, control, or authority. It suggests that the person or thing has been fully handed over or delegated for the designated purpose.
On a figurative level, "given over to" often conveys a sense of intense involvement, usually indicating a profound and immersive engagement with a particular activity or condition. For example, if someone is described as being "given over to their studies," it implies that they are wholly absorbed and dedicated to their academic pursuits, neglecting all other distractions. Similarly, if an area or place is said to be "given over to chaos," it suggests that disorder and disarray dominate that environment, with no signs of order or control.
Overall, "given over to" denotes complete dedication, devotion, surrender, or immersion into a specific cause, activity, state, or condition.
