Main Entry: ²bear

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): bore \ˈbȯr\; borne also born \ˈbȯrn\; bear·ing

Etymology: Middle English beren to carry, bring forth, from Old English beran; akin to Old High German beran to carry, Latin ferre, Greek pherein

Date: before 12th century

transitive verb 1 a : to move while holding up and supporting b : to be equipped or furnished with c : behave, conduct <bearing himself well> d : to have as a feature or characteristic <bears a likeness to her grandmother> e : to give as testimony <bear false witness> f : to have as an identification <bore the name of John> g : to hold in the mind or emotions <bear malice> h : disseminate i : lead, escort j : render, give
2 a : to give birth to b : to produce as yield c (1) : to permit growth of (2) : contain <oil-bearing shale>
3 a : to support the weight of : sustain b : to accept or allow oneself to be subjected to especially without giving way <couldn't bear the pain> <I can't bear seeing you cry> c : to call for as suitable or essential <it bears watching> d : to hold above, on top, or aloft e : to admit of : allow f : assume, accept
4 : thrust, pressintransitive verb 1 : to produce fruit : yield
2 a : to force one's way b : to extend in a direction indicated or implied c : to be situated : lie d : to become directed e : to go or incline in an indicated direction
3 : to support a weight or strain —often used with up
4 a : to exert influence or force b : apply, pertain —often used with on or upon <facts bearing on the question>

— bear a hand : to join in and help out

— bear arms 1 : to carry or possess arms
2 : to serve as a soldier

— bear fruit : to come to satisfying fruition, production, or development

— bear in mind : to think of especially as a warning : remember

— bear with : to be indulgent, patient, or forbearing with

synonyms bear, suffer, endure, abide, tolerate, stand mean to put up with something trying or painful. bear usually implies the power to sustain without flinching or breaking <forced to bear a tragic loss>. suffer often suggests acceptance or passivity rather than courage or patience in bearing <suffering many insults>. endure implies continuing firm or resolute through trials and difficulties <endured years of rejection>. abide suggests acceptance without resistance or protest <cannot abide their rudeness>. tolerate suggests overcoming or successfully controlling an impulse to resist, avoid, or resent something injurious or distasteful <refused to tolerate such treatment>. stand emphasizes even more strongly the ability to bear without discomposure or flinching <unable to stand teasing>.