For·bear v. i. [imp. Forbore (Forbare [Obs.]); p. p. Forborne p. pr. & vb. n. Forbearing.]
1. To refrain from proceeding; to pause; to delay.
Shall I go against Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I forbear? --1 Kings xxii. 6.
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. 7.
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.
forbear
n : a person from whom you are descended [syn: forebear]
v : not do something; "He refrained from hitting him back"; "she
could not forbear weeping" [syn: refrain] [ant: act]
[also: forborne, forbore]