forgive

[ fer-giv ]
/ fərˈgɪv /

verb (used with object), for·gave, for·giv·en, for·giv·ing.

to grant pardon for or remission of (an offense, debt, etc.); absolve.
to give up all claim on account of; remit (a debt, obligation, etc.).
to grant pardon to (a person).
to cease to feel resentment against: to forgive one's enemies.
to cancel an indebtedness or liability of: to forgive the interest owed on a loan.

verb (used without object), for·gave, for·giv·en, for·giv·ing.

to pardon an offense or an offender.

Origin of forgive

before 900; for- + give; replacing Middle English foryiven, Old English forgiefan

SYNONYMS FOR forgive

1 See excuse.
3 absolve, acquit.

OTHER WORDS FROM forgive

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH forgive

commute forgive pardon (see synonym study at pardon)

Example sentences from the Web for forgive

British Dictionary definitions for forgive

forgive
/ (fəˈɡɪv) /

verb -gives, -giving, -gave or -given

to cease to blame or hold resentment against (someone or something)
to grant pardon for (a mistake, wrongdoing, etc)
(tr) to free or pardon (someone) from penalty
(tr) to free from the obligation of (a debt, payment, etc)

Derived forms of forgive

forgivable, adjective forgivably, adverb forgiver, noun

Word Origin for forgive

Old English forgiefan; see for-, give