bear

bear · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A large, heavy mammal with thick fur and a short tail.

  2. 2.

    [finance]A person who sells shares expecting prices to fall; a pessimistic market.

  3. 3.

    [informal]A difficult or unpleasant thing or person.

  4. 4.

    Carry or support weight.

  5. 5.

    Endure; tolerate.

  6. 6.

    Give birth to.

  7. 7.

    Have or display a quality or characteristic.

  8. 8.

    Turn and proceed in a specified direction.

Forms

plural: bears

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    bear witness — Testify; give evidence.
  • •
    bear in mind — Remember; consider.
  • •
    bear fruit — Produce results.
  • •
    bear with — Be patient with.
  • •
    bear the brunt — Suffer the main impact.
  • •
    bear a grudge — Hold resentment.
  • •
    grin and bear it — Endure without complaining.
  • •
    teddy bear — A stuffed toy bear.
  • •
    bear market — A declining market.

Related words

Antonyms: bull (financial)
See also: bearing, bears, bore, borne
Synonyms: carry, endure, support, tolerate

Etymology

Noun: From Old English bera ("bear"), from Proto-Germanic berô. Verb: From Old English beran ("to carry, bring, bear"), from Proto-Germanic beraną.