n.
Function: verb
Inflected Form: bore \ ' bo ̇ r \ ; borne also born \ ' bo ̇ rn \ ; bear · ing
Etymology: Middle English beren to carry, bring forth, from Old English beran; akin to Old High German beran to carry, Latin ferre, Greek pherein
Date: before 12th century
transitive verb
1 a : to move while holding up and supporting b : to be equipped or furnished with c : BEHAVE , CONDUCT < bear ing himself well> d : to have as a feature or characteristic < bear s a likeness to her grandmother> e : to give as testimony < bear false witness> f : to have as an identification < bore the name of John> g : to hold in the mind or emotions < bear malice> h : DISSEMINATE i : LEAD , ESCORT j : RENDER , GIVE
2 a : to give birth to b : to produce as yield c (1) : to permit growth of (2) : CONTAIN <oil- bearing shale>
3 a : to support the weight of : SUSTAIN b : to accept or allow oneself to be subjected to especially without giving way <couldn't bear the pain> <I can't bear seeing you cry> c : to call for as suitable or essential <it bear s watching> d : to hold above, on top, or aloft e : to admit of : ALLOW f : ASSUME , ACCEPT
4 : THRUST , PRESS
intransitive verb
1 : to produce fruit : YIELD
2 a : to force one's way b : to extend in a direction indicated or implied c : to be situated : LIE d : to become directed e : to go or incline in an indicated direction
3 : to support a weight or strain ― often used with up
4 a : to exert influence or force b : APPLY , PERTAIN ― often used with on or upon <facts bear ing on the question>
– bear a hand : to join in and help out
– bear arms
1 : to carry or possess arms
2 : to serve as a soldier
– bear fruit : to come to satisfying fruition, production, or development
– bear in mind : to think of especially as a warning : REMEMBER
– bear with : to be indulgent, patient, or forbearing with
synonyms BEAR , SUFFER , ENDURE , ABIDE , TOLERATE , STAND mean to put up with something trying or painful. BEAR usually implies the power to sustain without flinching or breaking <forced to bear a tragic loss>. SUFFER often suggests acceptance or passivity rather than courage or patience in bearing < suffering many insults>. ENDURE implies continuing firm or resolute through trials and difficulties < endured years of rejection>. ABIDE suggests acceptance without resistance or protest <cannot abide their rudeness>. TOLERATE suggests overcoming or successfully controlling an impulse to resist, avoid, or resent something injurious or distasteful <refused to tolerate such treatment>. STAND emphasizes even more strongly the ability to bear without discomposure or flinching <unable to stand teasing>.