forgive

[ fer-giv ]

verb (used with object)

, for·gave [fer-, geyv], for·giv·en, for·giv·ing.

1. to grant pardon for or remission of (an offense, debt, etc.); absolve.
2. to give up all claim on account of; remit (a debt, obligation, etc.).
3. to grant pardon to (a person).

   Synonyms: acquit, absolve

4. to cease to feel resentment against:

   to forgive one's enemies.

5. to cancel an indebtedness or liability of:

   to forgive the interest owed on a loan.

verb (used without object)

, for·gave [fer-, geyv], for·giv·en, for·giv·ing.

1. to pardon an offense or an offender.

forgive

/ fəˈɡɪv /

verb

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

Derived Forms

• forˈgiver, noun
• forˈgivably, adverb
• forˈgivable, adjective

Other Words From

• for·giva·ble adjective
• for·giver noun
• half-for·given adjective
• prefor·give verb (used with object) preforgave preforgiven preforgiving
• unfor·giva·ble adjective
• unfor·giva·ble·ness noun
• unfor·giva·bly adverb
• unfor·given adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of forgive¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of forgive¹

Old English forgiefan ; see for- , give

Synonym Study

See excuse.

Example Sentences

US presidents have wide authority to forgive people convicted of federal crimes or end their prison sentences.

From BBC

So forgive me if I clocked but didn’t appreciate the irony of Reed’s “I did this because you let me” lecture in “Heretic,” or its depiction of women in cages.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead, he dug in his heels, hoping voters would forgive and forget.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump is almost certain to end the Biden administration’s efforts to forgive student loan debt, which has amounted to more than $175 billion for more than 4.8 million Americans in payments owed.

From Los Angeles Times

Forgive Democrats if they are having a bit of déjà vu.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• absolve
• condone
• excuse
• forget