FORBEAR FROM Meaning and
Definition
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The phrase "forbear from" refers to the act of refraining or abstaining from doing something. It is a verb phrase that conveys the idea of exercising self-control, self-discipline, or restraint in order to avoid engaging in a particular action or behavior.
When someone is advised to "forbear from" something, it implies that they should resist the temptation, desire, or impulse to engage in that action. This phrase often implies a conscious decision to exercise patience or to withhold oneself from acting on something, usually due to a sense of responsibility, respect, or moral obligation.
"Forbear from" can be used in various contexts, such as instructing someone to refrain from making derogatory remarks, cease engaging in harmful activities, or resist the urge to react impulsively. It suggests an intentional act of controlling one's actions or words, even in the face of provocations or desires.
The phrase can be considered synonymous with terms like "refrain from," "abstain from," or "hold back from." It signifies a deliberate choice to exercise restraint or to not succumb to a particular action or behavior. "Forbear from" encourages individuals to display self-discipline and thoughtfulness in making decisions, often resulting in more constructive outcomes and demonstrating a sense of maturity or moral conduct.
Etymology of FORBEAR FROM
The etymology of the phrase "forbear from" can be understood by examining both words in isolation.
Firstly, "forbear" comes from the Middle English word "forberen", which was composed of two elements: "for-" meaning "completely" or "thoroughly", and "beren" meaning "to bear" or "to endure". In Old English, "beran" also had the sense of "to carry" or "to support". Over time, "forbear" took on the meaning of "to abstain" or "to refrain" from doing something.
The word "from" is a preposition that has its roots in Old English, where it took the form "fram". It ultimately comes from the Proto-Germanic word "fram" meaning "forward" or "from".
