verb

forgive

Translation

to forgive, to pardon

Please forgive me.

I can't forgive his behaviour.

I can't forgive his behavior.

((sb.)) to forgive (sb.) I will never forgive him.

((sb.)) ((for sth./-ing)) to forgive (sb.) for (sth.) She forgave him for lying.

Synonyms: pardon, excuse, overlook; Antonyms: blame, punish

From Old English 'forgiefan', from 'for-' (completely) + 'giefan' (to give), meaning to give up the desire to punish.

Think of it as being 'for giving' someone another chance.