bore

bore · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To make someone feel weary and uninterested by being dull.

  2. 2.

    To make a hole in something using a drill or similar tool.

  3. 3.

    (Past tense of bear) Carried or gave birth to.

  4. 4.

    A dull and uninteresting person or activity.

  5. 5.

    The hollow part inside a gun barrel or cylinder.

  6. 6.

    A tidal wave that moves up certain rivers.

Forms

plural: bores

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    bore someone to death/tears — to make someone extremely bored
  • •
    full bore — at maximum capacity or intensity

Related words

Antonyms: engage, fascinate, interest
See also: bored, boring, drill
Synonyms: drill, tire, weary

Etymology

The "weary" sense is of unknown origin, first appearing in the 18th century. The "drill" sense comes from Old English borian ("to bore"). The past tense of "bear" comes from Old English beran.