forgive

6 definitions • 8 examples

to stop blaming or being angry with someone for something that person has done, or not punish them for something:

forgive someone for something/doing something I don't think she's ever quite forgiven me for getting her name wrong that time.

I'd never forgive myself if anything happened to the kids.

to completely stop blaming or being angry with someone for something they have done, and to stop thinking about it:

A quarrel is only over when both sides can forgive and forget.

used before you ask or say something that might seem rude:

Forgive me for asking, but how much did you pay for your bag?

to say that money does not have to be paid back:

The new program would forgive state loans to new graduates who teach in Nebraska.

to stop being angry with someone who has done something wrong:

She apologized and he forgave her.

I can’t forgive someone who has treated me so badly.

to allow someone to not have to pay a debt:

Japan agreed to forgive up to 100% of the debts owed to it by the world's poorest countries.