Definition of "forgive"

forgive

/fə(ɹ)ˈɡɪv/

verb
third-person singular simple present forgives, present participle forgiving, simple past forgave, past participle forgiven
1. (transitive) To pardon (someone); to waive any negative feeling towards or desire for punishment or retribution against.
2. (transitive) To pardon for (something); to waive any negative feeling over or retribution for.
  Quotations
  Forgive these wild and wandering cries,⁠Confusions of a wasted youth;⁠Forgive them where they fail in truth,And in thy wisdom make me wise.
  1850, [Alfred, Lord Tennyson], In Memoriam, London: Edward Moxon, […], prologue
3. (transitive) To waive or remit (a debt), to absolve from payment or compensation of.
4. (intransitive) To accord forgiveness.
  Quotations
  The brave know only how to forgive […] A coward never forgave; it is not in his nature.
  a. 1768, Laurence Sterne, Joseph's History considered; - Forgiveness of Injuries (sermon)
5. (transitive) To look past; to look beyond.
6. (transitive) To redeem; to offset the bad effects of something.
  Quotations
  Okay, a good hook forgives everything.
  2015, Todd in the Shadows, The Top Ten Best Hit Songs of 2014