Forbear

Quick meaning: Forbear is a verb meaning (transitive) To keep away from; to avoid; to abstain from.

Meaning

(transitive) To keep away from; to avoid; to abstain from.

More Meanings

1. (intransitive) To refrain from proceeding; to pause; to delay.
2. (intransitive) To refuse; to decline; to withsay; to unheed.
3. (intransitive) To control oneself when provoked.
4. Alternative spelling of forebear.

Example Sentences

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow the sun forbear to shine

The kindest and the happiest pair Will find occasion to forbear.

And thou ſhalt ſpeake my words vnto them, whether they will heare or whether they will forbeare, for they are moſt rebellious.

Por[tia]. I pray you tarrie, pauſe a day or two Before you hazard, for in chooſing wrong I looſe your companie ; therefore forbeare a while, /[...]

Word Forms

• forbears
• forbearing
• forbore
• forborne
• forborn
• forebear

Synonyms for forbear

Depending on context, synonyms include refrain.

Antonyms for forbear

Common opposites include act, move.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include refrain, avoid, forgo, withhold, abstain, desist.

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