Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
The Collaborative International Dictionary
Forbear \For*bear"\ (f[o^]r*b[^a]r"), v. i. [imp. Forbore( Forbare, [Obs.]); p. p. Forborne; p. pr. & vb. n. Forbearing.] [OE. forberen, AS. forberan; pref. for- + beran to bear. See Bear to support.]
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To refrain from proceeding; to pause; to delay.
Shall I go against Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I forbear?
--1 Kings xxii. 6. -
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. -
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.
Forbore \For*bore"\, imp. of Forbear.
Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
past tense of forbear (v.).
Wiktionary
vb. (en-simple past of: forbear)
WordNet
See forbear
Usage examples of "forbore".
When Sassinak apologized that the lunch was made of processed foods, Kai, mindful of his praise for the previous night's dinner, forbore to mention that he was better suited to it.
Madame forbore for the present to ask any questions that might lead to a discovery of her connections, or seem to require an explanation of the late adventure, which now furnishing her with a new subject of reflection, the sense of her own misfortunes pressed less heavily upon her mind.
He forbore, however, to renew the discourse, and withdrew to the abbey, leaving Adeline in the avenue, absorbed in grief.
He could have wished to place her in the asylum of his own family, but the circumstances under which she must be introduced were so awkward and painful, and, above all, the distance at which they resided, would render a journey so highly dangerous for her, that he forbore to propose it.
Adeline was for a moment impelled to follow, but delicacy checked her steps, she knew how painful the presence of a stranger often is to a wounded mind, and forbore to intrude herself on his notice for the sake of only satisfying an idle curiosity.
Amand forbore to press the subject, and immediately began to converse on indifferent topics.
When, however, he again saw Adeline——-saw her in the mild dignity of sorrow more interesting than ever——-saw her, though sinking beneath its pressure, yet tender and solicitous to soften the afflictions of those around her——-it was with the utmost difficulty he preserved his resolution, and forbore to express the sentiments she inspired.
Adeline forbore to express this, but Clara without scruple lamented the possibility that her brother might yet be taken from them, and all their joy be turned to sorrow.
Helva forbore to tell the long story of the childhood years during which she had been hooked on ancient movies, leading somehow naturally to Shakespeare, and opera, both light and grand.
Clancy at least forbore to tease his cousin about the real reason for his fretfulness--missing Asia.
Iantine forbore to mention that he had done so frequently, and within Lady Nadona's hearing.
Like his horse and sword, the rest of his gear was of the finest quality, but forbore gaudy jeweled studs or metallic inlay.
Liss's face was screwed up, but she forbore to laugh, five gods be thanked.
She served Gorlois his food and drink, saw to the housing of his men as was suitable, and forbore to question him.
She saw the look of wonder and awe on the girl’s face, and forbore to speak until Morgaine drew a shaking breath, as if waking from sleep.