Forgive

Part of speech: verb (v.)

1. To give wholly; to make over without reservation; to resign. To them that list the world's gay shows I leave, And to great ones such folly do forgive. Spenser.

2. To give up resentment or claim to requital on account of (an offense or wrong); to remit the penalty of; to pardon; -- said in reference to the act forgiven. And their sins should be forgiven them. Mark iv. 12. He forgive injures so readily that he might be said to invite them. Macaulay.

3. To cease to feel resentment against, on account of wrong committed; to give up claim to requital from or retribution upon (an offender); to absolve; to pardon; -- said of the person offending. Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. Luke xxiii. 34. I as free forgive you, as I would be fforgiven. Shak.

4. "Be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee." Matt. ix. 2.

Synonyms: See excuse.