Dictionary

1forbear

verb for·bear \fr-ˈber, fər-\

: to choose not to do (something that you could do) : to avoid doing or saying (something)

for·bore\-ˈbr\for·borne\-ˈbrn\for·bear·ing

Full Definition of FORBEAR

transitive verb
1
obsolete :  to do without
2
:  to hold oneself back from especially with an effort <forbore mentioning the incident>
3
obsolete :  to leave alone :  shun <forbear his presence — Shakespeare>
intransitive verb
1
:  hold back, abstain <have forborne from taking part in any controversy — Abraham Lincoln>
2
:  to control oneself when provoked :  be patient
for·bear·er noun
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Origin of FORBEAR

Middle English forberen, from Old English forberan to endure, do without, from for- + beran to bear
First Known Use: before 12th century

2forbear

Definition of FORBEAR

variant of forebear
FORBEARING Defined for Kids

forbear

verb for·bear \fr-ˈber\
for·bore \-ˈbr\for·borne \-ˈbrn\for·bear·ing

Definition of FORBEAR for Kids

1
:  to hold back <He forbore from hitting the bully back.>
2
:  to be patient when annoyed or troubled

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