Forbearance refers to the act of refraining from exercising a right, such as enforcing a debt or claiming something owed. It is often associated with patience and self-control, especially in situations where one might be tempted to react negatively. Forbearance can mean showing tolerance or restraint, particularly in difficult situations.
The word "forbearance" comes from the Middle English word "forberen," which means "to refrain from" or "to hold back." This, in turn, is derived from the Old English "forberan," which means "to bear up against" or "to carry forth," with the prefix "for-" indicating a sense of forward motion.