forbear

[ fawr-bair ]

verb (used with object)

, for·bore [fawr-, bawr], for·borne [fawr-, bawrn], for·bear·ing.

1. to refrain or abstain from; desist from.

   Synonyms: renounce, sacrifice, forgo

2. to keep back; withhold.
3. Obsolete. to endure.

verb (used without object)

, for·bore [fawr-, bawr], for·borne [fawr-, bawrn], for·bear·ing.

1. to refrain; hold back.
2. to be patient or self-controlled when subject to annoyance or provocation.

forbear

¹

/ fɔːˈbɛə /

verb

1. whenintr, often foll by from or an infinitive to cease or refrain (from doing something)
2. archaic.
   to tolerate or endure (misbehaviour, mistakes, etc)

forbear

²

/ ˈfɔːˌbɛə /

noun

1. a variant spelling of forebear

Derived Forms

• forˈbearer, noun
• forˈbearingly, adverb

Other Words From

• for·bear·er noun
• for·bear·ing·ly adverb
• non·for·bear·ing adjective
• non·for·bear·ing·ly adverb
• un·for·bear·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of forbear¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English forberen, Old English forberan “to refrain from, abstain; spare, excuse”; for-, bear ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of forbear¹

Old English forberan ; related to Gothic frabairan to endure

Example Sentences

But—and I forbear to lead up to it artistically—I dissever myself from your chariot wheels.

From Project Gutenberg

And thou shalt speak my words to them, if perhaps they will hear, and forbear: for they provoke me to anger.

From Project Gutenberg

Georgie could not forbear a smile, while Lucy burst into inextinguishable peals of silvery laughter.

From Project Gutenberg

Can they stand still when everything is in motion, when everything is stirring, and forbear running whither every one runs?

From Project Gutenberg

Nor can any right-minded man forbear his tribute to the good which Socialistic agitation has done.

From Project Gutenberg