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endure

verb
en·​dure | \ in-ˈdu̇r How to pronounce endure (audio) , -ˈdyu̇r, en-\
endured; enduring

Definition of endure

intransitive verb

1 : to continue in the same state : last the style endured for centuries
2 : to remain firm under suffering or misfortune without yielding though it is difficult, we must endure

transitive verb

1 : to undergo especially without giving in : suffer endure hardships endured great pain
2 : to regard with acceptance or tolerance could not endure noisy children
Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about endure

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Choose the Right Synonym for endure

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

continue, last, endure, abide, persist mean to exist over a period of time or indefinitely. continue applies to a process going on without ending. the search for peace will continue last, especially when unqualified, may stress existing beyond what is normal or expected. buy shoes that will last endure adds an implication of resisting destructive forces or agencies. in spite of everything, her faith endured abide implies stable and constant existing especially as opposed to mutability. a love that abides through 40 years of marriage persist suggests outlasting the normal or appointed time and often connotes obstinacy or doggedness. the sense of guilt persisted

Examples of endure in a Sentence

She wants to make sure her legacy will endure. He endured five years as a prisoner of war. We endured the lecture for as long as we could.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 The Guinea international has endured a torrid time with injury after missing the final four games of Liverpool's last campaign and a starting place in the Champions League final against Spurs. — SI.com, "Liverpool Injury Update: Latest on Alisson Becker and Naby Keita," 4 Sep. 2019 That came after Trump warned that the American public might need to endure economic pain in order to achieve long-term results. — Joe Mcdonald, The Denver Post, "China announces tariff hike on $75 billion of US products," 23 Aug. 2019 These differences may have endured due to the necessity of communicating these groupings across generations through complex oral traditions. — Simon Cropper, Quartz, "Why do different cultures see such similar meanings in the stars?," 21 Aug. 2019 The country has endured several major controversies after bestowing honors to those who fought alongside the Nazis against the Soviets. — Cnaan Liphshiz, sun-sentinel.com, "Netanyahu wades into the debate on Ukraine’s Holocaust record in commemoration speech," 20 Aug. 2019 The occupation has endured for more than fifty years, and has grown ever more controlling, cruel, and intractable. — Bernard Avishai, The New Yorker, "By Barring Two Congresswomen, Trump and Netanyahu Set a Trap for Democrats," 18 Aug. 2019 Rain Brown and her family have endured a lot together over the past few years. — Kelly O'sullivan, Country Living, "'Alaskan Bush People' Star Rain Brown Admits Her 'New Life' Has Been ‘Very Challenging’," 18 Aug. 2019 Iraqi Kurds have endured decades of contention and bloodshed. — Erin Blakemore, National Geographic, "Today, the Kurds are spread across four nations. Who are they?," 16 Aug. 2019 Police and at least one mainland reporter have endured beatings by young radicals gripped by nihilistic rage. — The Economist, "Why Chinese officials imagine America is behind unrest in Hong Kong," 15 Aug. 2019

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

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First Known Use of endure

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

History and Etymology for endure

Middle English, from Anglo-French endurer, from Vulgar Latin *indurare, from Latin, to harden, from in- + durare to harden, endure — more at during

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More Definitions for endure

endure

verb
How to pronounce endure (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of endure

: to continue to exist in the same state or condition
: to experience (pain or suffering) for a long time
: to deal with or accept (something unpleasant)

See the full definition for endure in the English Language Learners Dictionary

endure

verb
en·​dure | \ in-ˈdu̇r How to pronounce endure (audio) , -ˈdyu̇r\
endured; enduring

Kids Definition of endure

1 : to continue to exist over a long time : last This tradition has endured for centuries.
2 : to experience without giving in They had to endure hardship to survive.
3 : to put up with He could not endure another minute of waiting.

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More from Merriam-Webster on endure

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with endure

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for endure

Spanish Central: Translation of endure

Nglish: Translation of endure for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of endure for Arabic Speakers

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