forbear
UK[fɔːˈbeə]US[fɔːrˈber]
v
To refrain or hold back from doing something, especially with patience or self-control.
v
To avoid or cease doing something; to desist.
Morpheme Breakdown
for
bear
for
away, off, completely,
bear
to carry, to endure.
Etymology
The verb 'forbear' is a compound formed from two Old English elements. The prefix 'for-' was used intensively or to imply prohibition or abstention, while 'bear' carried the core meaning of carrying a burden or enduring. Literally, the combination meant "to carry oneself away from" or "to endure by holding back." Over time, this concrete sense of restraining oneself from action evolved into the modern abstract meanings of patience, self-denial, and deliberate cessation. It is etymologically and semantically distinct from the noun 'forebear' (ancestor), which follows a different morphological path.
Analysis
Structure: for + bear
- for: A prefix of Germanic origin (Old English for-), meaning "away, off, completely," often used to give an intensive or negative force.
- bear: A verb of Germanic origin (Old English beran), meaning "to carry, to endure."
Examples
I must ask you to forbear from making any comments until the presentation is over.
He could not forbear to smile at the child's innocent remark.
The judge urged the community to forbear from taking the law into their own hands.