forget

[ fer-get ]

verb (used with object)

, for·got or (Archaic) for·gat [fer-, gat]; for·got·ten [fer-, got, -n] or for·got; for·get·ting.

1. to cease or fail to remember; be unable to recall:

   to forget someone's name.

2. to omit or neglect unintentionally:

   I forgot to shut the window before leaving.

3. to leave behind unintentionally; neglect to take:

   to forget one's keys.

4. to omit mentioning; leave unnoticed.
5. to fail to think of; take no note of.
6. to neglect willfully; disregard or slight.

verb (used without object)

, for·got or (Archaic) for·gat [fer-, gat]; for·got·ten [fer-, got, -n] or for·got; for·get·ting.

1. to cease or omit to think of something.

forget

/ fəˈɡɛt /

verb

1. when tr, may take a clause as object or an infinitive to fail to recall (someone or something once known); be unable to remember
2. tr; may take a clause as object or an infinitive to neglect, usually as the result of an unintentional error
3. tr to leave behind by mistake
4. tr to disregard intentionally
5. when tr, may take a clause as object to fail to mention
6. forget oneself
   1. to act in an improper manner
   2. to be unselfish
   3. to be deep in thought
7. forget it!
   an exclamation of annoyed or forgiving dismissal of a matter or topic

Usage Note

Both forgot and forgotten are used as the past participle of forget : Many have already forgot (or forgotten ) the hard times of the Depression. Only forgotten is used attributively: half-forgotten memories.

Derived Forms

• forˈgetter, noun
• forˈgettable, adjective

Other Words From

• for·getta·ble adjective
• for·getter noun
• unfor·getting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of forget¹

First recorded before 900; for- + get; replacing Middle English foryeten, Old English forg(i)etan; cognate with Old Saxon fargetan, Old High German firgezzan

Word History and Origins

Origin of forget¹

Old English forgietan ; related to Old Frisian forgeta , Old Saxon fargetan , Old High German firgezzan

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. forget oneself, to say or do something improper or unbefitting one's rank, position, or character.

More idioms and phrases containing forget

In addition to the idiom beginning with forget , also see forgive and forget .

Example Sentences

On the other hand, we might find abandoning Ukraine and caving to Russia has a far steeper cost — one that will be impossible for us to forget.

From Los Angeles Times

“I was so young, I don’t even know how I thought to say this, but I’ll never forget what I said,” Lohan shared.

From Salon

Some borrowers forget that if they are on an IDR plan without the benefit of PSLF, they owe taxes once the remaining loan balance is forgiven.

From Salon

The family of Harshita Brella, whose body was discovered in the boot of a car, has said she will never be forgotten.

From BBC

When McCarthy met Trump, all that was quickly forgotten.

From Salon

Related Words

• fail
• ignore
• neglect
• overlook
• skip