ə̇nˈd(y)u̇(ə)r, en-, -u̇ə verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English enduren, from Middle French endurer, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin & Latin; (assumed) Vulgar Latin indurare to last, continue, from Latin indurare to harden, from in + durare to harden, from durus hard — more at dure
intransitive verb
1. : to continue in essentially the same state : last
laws that have endured for centuries
2. : to attain to or retain position or stature : maintain permanent recognition
the question of why one novel endures and another does not
3.
a. : to remain firm under adversity : bear up (as under tribulation) without yielding
enduring despite criticism
b. : to continue to act or function especially under adverse conditions
endure to the bitter end
transitive verb
1. obsolete : to make hard, callous, or tough : strengthen
2. : to undergo (as a hardship or difficulty) especially without faltering, giving in, or breaking : suffer
endure tension
we must try to endure all this in the fashion of philosophers — Louis Bromfield
3. : to be compatible with : allow , permit
a poem that will not endure a facile interpretation
4.
a. : to allow to stand : countenance , tolerate — often used with a negative
a century ago hospitals were charnel houses, presenting a spectacle no one could endure today — Saturday Review
b. : to face with equanimity or tolerance : put up with — often used with a negative
unable to endure jazz
Synonyms: see bear , continue