v.tr. (also absol. or with double object) (past forgave; past part. forgiven) 1 cease to feel angry or resentful towards; pardon (an offender or offence) (forgive us our mistakes). 2 remit or let off (a debt or debtor). forgivable adj. forgivably adv. forgiver n.
[ OE forgiefan (as FOR-, GIVE) ]