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to forbear
01
to hold back from an action or behavior
Transitive: to forbear sth
Examples
Even in the midst of the serious meeting, John could n't forbear a grin at his colleague's witty comment.
Watching the children play in the park, Mary could n't forbear a sense of joy and warmth.
02
to hold back or refrain from an impulse or action
Transitive: to forbear to do sth | to forbear from sth
Examples
Despite the provocation, she decided to forbear from responding to the criticism and maintained her composure.
To maintain professionalism, employees must forbear from airing grievances publicly.
Lexical Tree
forbearance
forbearing
forbear
