Word Direct Answers

What does "forbear" mean?

Forbear: To refrain from proceeding; to pause; to delay. Shall I go against Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I forbear 1 Kinds xxii.

Additional senses

  1. 2.2. To refuse; to decline; to give no heed. Thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear. Ezek. ii.
  2. 3.3. To control one's self when provoked. The kindest and the happiest pair Will find occasion to forbear. Cowper. Both bear and forbear. Old Proverb.
  3. 4.To keep away from; to avoid; to abstain from; to give up; as, to forbear the use of a word of doubdtful propriety. But let me that plunder forbear. Shenstone. The King In open battle or the tilting field Forbore his own advantage. Tennyson.
  4. 5.To treat with consideration or indulgence. Forbearing one another in love. Eph. iv.
  5. 6.3. To cease from bearing. [Obs.] Whenas my womb her burden would forbear. Spenser.

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