forbear
[ fawr-bair ]
/ fɔrˈbɛər /
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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.
QUIZZES
QUIZ YOURSELF ON “THEIR,” “THERE,” AND “THEY’RE”
Are you aware how often people swap around “their,” “there,” and “they’re”? Prove you have more than a fair grasp over these commonly confused words.
Question 1 of 7
Which one of these commonly confused words can act as an adverb or a pronoun?
Origin of forbear
OTHER WORDS FROM forbear
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for forbear
We must all be profoundly grateful for the magnificent achievements of our forbearers in this century.
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
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