From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishbe given to (doing) somethingbe given to (doing) somethingformalOFTEN to tend to do something, especially something that you should not do He was a quiet man, not usually given to complaining. → given
Examples from the Corpus
be given to (doing) something• But when that remedy was given to a sick person exhibiting those same symptoms, it helped cure the person.• Extra funds were given to agricultural production, food subsidies, and housing for armed forces personnel.• Consideration should be given to arranging for a banker's guarantee in the firm's favour.• For example, careful attention is given to communication in writing.• We were young and our waking hours were given to games.• I would like my poem to be given to such a man by the Police.• Some adults are still given to temper tantrums.• Examination also needs to be given to the type of religious environment which permits the abuse of women to occur without reparations.• Some thought has to be given to what is possible and it may be that time out can not be used. 