–v.t.
1. to give up the wish to punish or get even with; not have hard feelings at or toward; pardon; excuse: »
She forgave her brother for breaking her doll. Please forgive my mistake.
SYNONYM(S): absolve. See syn. under excuse. (Cf. ↑excuse)2. to give up all claim to; not demand payment for: »
to forgive a debt.
–v.i.
to give forgiveness; pardon: »
To err is human, to forgive, divine (Alexander Pope).
╂[Middle English forgiven, alteration of foryiven, foryeven, Old English forgiefan; spelling influenced by Middle English given give]
–for|giv´er, noun.
Useful english dictionary. 2012.