forbear
[ fawr-bair ]
/ fɔrˈbɛər /
Save This Word!
verb (used with object), for·bore [fawr-bawr], /fɔrˈbɔr/, for·borne [fawr-bawrn], /fɔrˈbɔrn/, for·bear·ing.
verb (used without object), for·bore [fawr-bawr], /fɔrˈbɔr/, for·borne [fawr-bawrn], /fɔrˈbɔrn/, for·bear·ing.
to refrain; hold back.
to be patient or self-controlled when subject to annoyance or provocation.
QUIZ
QUIZ YOURSELF ON “ITS” VS. “IT’S”!
Apostrophes can be tricky; prove you know the difference between "it’s" and "its" in this crafty quiz!
Question 1 of 8
On the farm, the feed for chicks is significantly different from the roosters’; ______ not even comparable.
Origin of forbear
OTHER WORDS FROM forbear
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
British Dictionary definitions for forbear (1 of 2)
forbear1
/ (fɔːˈbɛə) /
verb -bears, -bearing, -bore or -borne
(when intr, often foll by from or an infinitive) to cease or refrain (from doing something)
archaic to tolerate or endure (misbehaviour, mistakes, etc)
Derived forms of forbear
forbearer, nounforbearingly, adverbWord Origin for forbear
Old English forberan; related to Gothic frabairan to endure
British Dictionary definitions for forbear (2 of 2)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012