1
general::
1. Bear a child, as in She gave birth to her first child exactly at midnight. [Early 1800s] 2. Also, give rise to. Be the cause or origin of. For example, His hobby gave birth to a very successful business, or The economic situation gave rise to widespread dissatisfaction. The first term dates from the early 1700s, the second from the late 1700s.
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): give birth to someone or something
1. Lit. to have a child; [for an animal] to bring forth young. • She gave birth to a baby girl. • The cat gave birth to a large number of adorable kittens. 2. Fig. to bring forth a new idea, an invention, a nation, etc. • The company gave birth to a new technology. • The basic idea of participatory democracy gave birth to a new nation.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs