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Definition of Forbear
1. Noun. A person from whom you are descended.
Generic synonyms: Ancestor, Antecedent, Ascendant, Ascendent, Root
Specialized synonyms: Grandparent, Great Grandparent
2. Verb. Refrain from doing. "She forbore a snicker"
3. Verb. Resist doing something. "She could not forbear weeping"
Specialized synonyms: Leave, Leave Alone, Leave Behind, Let It Go, Abstain, Save, Spare, Hold Back, Help, Help Oneself, Stand By, Sit Out
Derivative terms: Forbearance
Antonyms: Act
Definition of Forbear
1. n. An ancestor; a forefather; -- usually in the plural.
2. v. i. To refrain from proceeding; to pause; to delay.
3. v. t. To keep away from; to avoid; to abstain from; to give up; as, to forbear the use of a word of doubtful propriety.
Definition of Forbear
1. Verb. (transitive) To keep away from; to avoid; to abstain from; to give up. ¹
2. Verb. (intransitive) To refrain from proceeding; to pause; to delay. ¹
3. Verb. (intransitive) To refuse; to decline; to give no heed. ¹
4. Verb. (intransitive) To control oneself when provoked. ¹
5. Noun. (alternative spelling of forebear) ¹
¹ Source: wiktionary.com
Definition of Forbear
1. to refrain from [v -BORE or -BARE, -BORNE, -BEARING, -BEARS]
Lexicographical Neighbors of Forbear
Literary usage of Forbear
Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:
1. The English Works of Thomas Hobbes of Malmesbury by Thomas ( Hobbes (1841)
"... either the agent can will and forbear to will, or else he cannot do and forbear
to do. (A) But we differ wholly about the fifth point. ..."
2. The Spectator by Joseph Addison, Richard Steele (1830)
"It is very certain, that a man of sound reason cannot forbear closing with religion
upon an impartial examination of it; but at the same time it is certain, ..."
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