forge

noun

\ˈfȯrj

Definition of forge

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 : a furnace or a shop with its furnace where metal is heated and wrought : smithy

2 : a workshop where wrought iron is produced or where iron is made malleable

forge

verb (1)

forged; forging

Definition of forge (Entry 2 of 3)

transitive verb

1a : to form (something, such as metal) by heating and hammering forged pieces of iron into hooks

b : to form (metal) by a mechanical or hydraulic press with or without heat

2 : to make or imitate falsely especially with intent to defraud : counterfeit forge a document forge a signature

3 : to form or bring into being especially by an expenditure of effort working to forge party unity The two countries forged a strong alliance.

intransitive verb

1 : to work at a forge

2 : to commit forgery (see forgery sense 3)

forge

verb (2)

forged; forging

Definition of forge (Entry 3 of 3)

intransitive verb

1 : to move forward slowly and steadily the ship forged ahead through heavy seas

2 : to move with a sudden increase of speed and power forged into the lead forged ahead in marketing the product

Other Words from forge Are "forging ahead" and "forging a check" from the same forge? More Example Sentences Learn More about forge

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Are "forging ahead" and "forging a check" from the same forge?

There are many things you can do with the word forge in English. You can forge ahead (which, confusingly enough, can mean either "move slowly and steadily" or "move with a sudden increase of speed"), you can forge a check or a painting (make something fake), or you can forge a sword (make something real). The senses that relate to creating something (either real or fake) come from the same Latin word that gives us fabric, which is fabricare ("to fashion, construct"). We are not certain where the “movement” senses of forge come from, except insofar as we know that they are from a different origin than the “creation” senses of the word.

Examples of forge in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

On top of that, the kinds of powerful cosmic forges that would generate high-energy cosmic rays also would produce a torrent of high-energy neutrinos. — Amina Khan, latimes.com, "After years of searching, scientists finally trace high-energy neutrinos to a distant blazar," 12 July 2018 Volcanic eruptions were Vulcan hammering at his forge. — Steven Austad, AL.com, "Star gazing in the 21st century," 28 Apr. 2018 Now the apparel maker has released a new line of workwear made from a fabric named after the iron forge that was once used to make pitons, chocks, and wedges. — Wes Siler, Outside Online, "This Patagonia Apron Is Made for Working," 12 Apr. 2018 But the forge, based on Russian designs from the 1980s, is outdated and the country oversupplied. — The Economist, "A compelling look at the flaws in the Chinese economy," 22 Mar. 2018 Ken Kurtz cranks a blower as its gears scream, stoking flames in the blacksmith's forge, the center of the coals reaching more than 2,000 degrees. — Ben Brazil, latimes.com, "Orange County Blacksmith Guild seeks to preserve the old ways," 26 Jan. 2018 The intro class costs $20 and open forge is $15, which covers fuel and power equipment costs. — Ben Brazil, latimes.com, "Orange County Blacksmith Guild seeks to preserve the old ways," 26 Jan. 2018 Each time metal is taken from the forge, shaped, and put back in the fire is called a heat. — Brett Martin, Popular Mechanics, "What It's Like to Be a Modern-Day Blacksmith," 15 Nov. 2017 KimberMills taps a forge in Eastern Europe to produce large parts that are beyond its works in England. — Peter S. Goodman, New York Times, "What’s the Economic Cost of Brexit? Pineapples Tell a Tale," 31 Oct. 2017

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Dedivanovic started working for Kardashian West in 2008, and in the past decade the two forged a distinct and often emulated makeup aesthetic (think: rounded eyebrows, nude lipstick, sculpted cheeks). — Ashley Weatherford, The Cut, "Kim Kardashian West’s Makeup Artist on Drugstore Beauty and the Best Acne Treatment," 20 Apr. 2018 As the film goes back and forth in time to show how relationships forged in the past resonate in the present, James will play the role of Young Donna. — azcentral, "Mamma Mia! Here we go again! Sweepstakes," 13 June 2018 Cohen and Artemenko have dismissed the notion that their effort to forge peace between Russia and Ukraine was driven by anything other than altruism. — Abigail Tracy, The Hive, "Was Viktor Vekselberg Bankrolling Michael Cohen’s Pro-Russia Peace Plan for Ukraine?," 8 June 2018 Katz nails Bessie's pragmatism forged in tragedies. — Marvin Glassman, Jewish Journal, "Mother, daughter team in drama 'From Door to Door'," 6 June 2018 Critics say China's incremental push to leverage its economic power to forge new international norms — in this case regarding Taiwan's status — creates worrying precedents. — Fox News, "Qantas bends to Beijing by describing Taiwan as Chinese," 4 June 2018 At the time, Trump's critics said that his decision to scrap the Iran deal raised questions over his ability to forge an agreement with North Korea. — Mary Ilyushina, CNN, "Putin says Kim Jong Un 'did everything he promised to do'," 24 May 2018 Critics say China's incremental push to leverage its economic power to forge new international norms — in this case regarding Taiwan's status — creates worrying precedents. — Erika Kinetz, USA TODAY, "Airlines caving to China's demands despite White House protest," 22 May 2018 Critics say China's incremental push to leverage its economic power to forge new international norms — in this case regarding Taiwan's status — creates worrying precedents. — Erika Kinetz, chicagotribune.com, "Airlines caving to Beijing demands on Taiwan despite White House protest," 22 May 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Classic revolvers are forged from costly steel, tamping down margins. — Fortune, "Why Gunmakers Would Rather Sell AR-15s Than Handguns," 20 June 2018 And for nearly seven years, Bob Melvin forged a strong relationship with the front office while taking the team to three postseasons in each of his first three years managing Oakland full time. — Susan Slusser, SFChronicle.com, "Could A’s changing times signal end to Billy Beane era?," 18 June 2018 For spotless skin, Coqui Coqui’s all-natural mosquito repellent and Kiehl’s firming mask forge an infallible skin-soothing alliance. — Jenna Rennert, Vogue, "What to Stock at Your Beach House, From SPF to a Luxurious Bug Repellant," 15 June 2018 New, exquisite memories will be forged this summer, for sure. — Roger Bennett, GQ, "Un-American Football: Your Guide to Enjoying This Yankee-Free World Cup," 12 June 2018 The band forges a powerful hybrid of melody and mood, creating a tuneful lattice of sound that often lingers in the air rather than pushing forward. — Peter Margasak, Chicago Reader, "Drummer Brian Blade funnels his disparate interests into the Fellowship Band," 11 May 2018 On Nidavellir, the heart of a dying star, Thor forges a new weapon, Stormbreaker, with the help of Rocket, Groot (Vin Diesel) and the dwarf Eitri (Peter Dinklage). — Richard Newby, The Hollywood Reporter, "The Boundless Potential of Thor," 6 May 2018 Instead, as alleged, Pierce had forged counter-party signatures on contract after contract. — Jon Brodkin, Ars Technica, "Ajit Pai’s ex-broadband advisor arrested on charge of forging fiber contracts," 17 Apr. 2018 According to the complaint, Li forged documents including a passport issued to another person that also included the name of Marine Corps Gen. Joseph Francis Dunford Jr., the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. — Alicia Fabbre, Daily Southtown, "Crest Hill man charged with forgery, ID theft crimes against military brass, including Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman," 14 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'forge.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for forge

Noun

Middle English, "smith's workshop," borrowed from Anglo-French, going back to Gallo-Romance *faurga, going back to Latin fabrica "process of making something, craft, workshop" — more at fabric

Verb (1)

Middle English forgen "to form, shape (metal by heat), invent, contrive, counterfeit," borrowed from Anglo-French forger, forgier, going back to Latin fabricāre, fabricārī "to fashion, shape, construct" — more at fabricate

Verb (2)

origin unknown

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