forget

American  

[fer-get] / fərˈgɛt /

verb (used with object)

forgot, forgat, forgotten, forgot, forgetting

1. to cease or fail to remember; be unable to recall.

   to forget someone's name.

2. to omit or neglect unintentionally.

   I forgot to shut the window before leaving.

3. to leave behind unintentionally; neglect to take.

   to forget one's keys.

4. to omit mentioning; leave unnoticed.

5. to fail to think of; take no note of.

6. to neglect willfully; disregard or slight.

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verb (used without object)

forgot, forgat, forgotten, forgot, forgetting

1. to cease or omit to think of something.

idioms

1. forget oneself, to say or do something improper or unbefitting one's rank, position, or character.

forget British  

/ fəˈɡɛt /

verb

1. (when tr, may take a clause as object or an infinitive) to fail to recall (someone or something once known); be unable to remember

2. (tr; may take a clause as object or an infinitive) to neglect, usually as the result of an unintentional error

3. (tr) to leave behind by mistake

4. (tr) to disregard intentionally

5. (when tr, may take a clause as object) to fail to mention

6. 1. to act in an improper manner

   2. to be unselfish

   3. to be deep in thought

7. an exclamation of annoyed or forgiving dismissal of a matter or topic

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forget More Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing forget

• forgive and forget

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Usage

Both forgot and forgotten are used as the past participle of forget : Many have already forgot (or forgotten ) the hard times of the Depression. Only forgotten is used attributively: half-forgotten memories.

Other Word Forms

• forgettable adjective
• forgetter noun
• unforgetting adjective

Etymology

Origin of forget

First recorded before 900; for- + get; replacing Middle English foryeten, Old English forg(i)etan; cognate with Old Saxon fargetan, Old High German firgezzan

Example Sentences

There’s something we all solemnly acknowledge in November and then immediately forget by January: the side dishes are the real reason to show up.

From Salon

Sharing a meal put people at ease, helped them forget the cameras, and inspired them to open up about their lives, he wrote.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Is it any wonder that we are seeing many investors simply say ‘let’s buy gold’ and forget about equities?”

From Barron's

But he never let you forget that he knew what you wanted from him.

From Los Angeles Times

Bowel Cancer UK recommends keeping a diary of symptoms, external before you visit your GP so you don't forget anything at your appointment.

From BBC

Related Words

• fail
• ignore
• neglect
• overlook
• skip