forgive
[ fer-giv ]
/ fərˈgɪv /
verb (used with object), for·gave, for·giv·en, for·giv·ing.
to grant pardon for or remission of (an offense, debt, etc.); absolve.
to give up all claim on account of; remit (a debt, obligation, etc.).
to grant pardon to (a person).
to cease to feel resentment against: to forgive one's enemies.
to cancel an indebtedness or liability of: to forgive the interest owed on a loan.
verb (used without object), for·gave, for·giv·en, for·giv·ing.
to pardon an offense or an offender.
Nearby words
forgetive, forgettable, forgettery, forging, forgivable, forgive, forgive and forget, forgiveness, forgiving, forgo, forgot
Related forms
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for forgive
British Dictionary definitions for forgive
forgive
/ (fəˈɡɪv) /
verb -gives, -giving, -gave or -given
to cease to blame or hold resentment against (someone or something)
to grant pardon for (a mistake, wrongdoing, etc)
(tr) to free or pardon (someone) from penalty
(tr) to free from the obligation of (a debt, payment, etc)
Derived Forms
forgivable, adjectiveforgivably, adverbforgiver, nounWord Origin for forgive
Old English forgiefan; see for-, give
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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