forbear

verb

for·bear | \ fȯr-ˈber

, fər-\

forbore\ fȯr-ˈbȯr

, fər- \; forborne\ fȯr-ˈbȯrn

, fər- \; forbearing

Definition of forbear

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 obsolete : to do without

2 : to hold oneself back from especially with an effort forbore mentioning the incident tried to forbear making rash judgments

3 obsolete : to leave alone : shun forbear his presence— William Shakespeare

1 : hold back, abstain have forborne from taking part in any controversy— Abraham Lincoln

2 : to control oneself when provoked : be patient forbore with his friend's failings

forbear

noun

for·bear

: ancestor, forefather also : precursor —usually used in plural His forebears fought in the American Civil War.