Main Entry: ¹for·bear

Pronunciation: \fȯr-ˈber, fər-\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): for·bore \-ˈbȯr\; for·borne \-ˈbȯrn\; for·bear·ing

Etymology: Middle English forberen, from Old English forberan to endure, do without, from for- + beran to bear

Date: before 12th century

transitive verb 1 obsolete : to do without
2 : to hold oneself back from especially with an effort <forbore mentioning the incident>
3 obsolete : to leave alone : shun <forbear his presence — Shakespeare>intransitive verb 1 : hold back, abstain <have forborne from taking part in any controversy — Abraham Lincoln>
2 : to control oneself when provoked : be patient

— for·bear·er noun