forbears

for·bear ¹  (fôr-bâr)

v. for·bore (-bôr, -br), for·borne (-bôrn, -brn), for·bear·ing, for·bears

v.tr.

1. To refrain from; resist: forbear replying. See Synonyms at refrain¹.

2. To desist from; cease.

3. Obsolete To avoid or shun.

v.intr.

1. To hold back; refrain.

2. To be tolerant or patient in the face of provocation.

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[Middle English forberen, from Old English forberan, to endure; see bher-¹ in Indo-European roots.]

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for·bearer n.

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for·bear ²  (fôrbâr, fr-)

n.

Variant of forebear.

Translations

forbears forebears