English Dictionary

Definition of “forbear

1forbear1 (fɔːˈbɛəPronunciation for forbear1

Definitions

verb

  1.  when intr, often foll by from or an infinitive to cease or refrain (from doing something)
  2. archaic to tolerate or endure (misbehaviour, mistakes, etc)

Alternative Forms

forˈbearer noun forˈbearingly adverb

Word Origin

Old English forberan ; related to Gothic frabairan to endure

2forbear2 (ˈfɔːˌbɛəPronunciation for forbear2

Definitions

noun

  1. a variant spelling of forebear

forebear or forbear(ˈfɔːˌbɛəPronunciation for )

Definitions

noun

  1. an ancestor; forefather

Usage examples

  • I understood her, but I could not forbear from saying, `You and yours are also mine, my queen.
    Robin Hobb, THE GOLDEN FOOL: Book Two of the Tawny Man (2002)
  • `And what unclean uses the neighbours thereabouts doe make of that place we forbear to tell.
    Hyland, Paul, Indian Balm - Travels in the Southern Subcontinent (1994)

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