bear1
¦ verb (past bore; past participle borne)
1. carry or convey.
have as an attribute or visible mark.
2. support (a weight).
3. [with negative] manage to tolerate: I can't bear it.
4. give birth to (a child).
(of a tree or plant) produce (fruit or flowers).
5. turn and proceed in a specified direction: bear left.
6. (bear oneself) conduct oneself in a specified manner.
Phrases
bear someone a grudge nurture a feeling of resentment against someone.
bear in mind remember and take into account.
bear someone malice (or ill will) wish someone harm.
bear witness (or testimony) to testify to.
be borne in upon come to be realized by.
bring to bear
1. muster and use to effect.
2. aim (a weapon).
Phrasal verbs
bear down (of a woman in labour) exert downwards pressure in order to push the baby out.
bear down on approach in a purposeful or intimidating manner.
bear off (or away) Sailing change course away from the wind.
bear on be relevant to.
bear something out support or confirm something.
bear up remain cheerful in the face of adversity.
bear with be patient or tolerant with.
Derivatives
bearable adjective
bearability noun
bearably adverb
Origin
OE beran, of Gmc origin.
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bear2
¦ noun
1. a large, heavy mammal which walks on the soles of its feet, having thick fur and a very short tail. [Family Ursidae: several species.]
2.
Stock Exchange a person who sells shares hoping to buy them back later at a lower price. Often contrasted with
bull1. [said to be from a proverb warning against 'selling the bear's skin before one has caught the
bear'.]
3. a rough or bad-mannered person.
Phrases
like a bear with a sore head Brit. informal very irritable.
loaded for bear N. Amer. informal fully prepared for a confrontation or challenge.
Origin
OE bera, of W. Gmc origin.