bear

noun

A large, generally omnivorous mammal (a few species are purely carnivorous or herbivorous), having shaggy fur, a very small tail, and flat feet; a member of the family Ursidae.

(cooking, uncountable) The meat of this animal.

(figuratively) A rough, unmannerly, uncouth person.

(finance) An investor who sells commodities, securities, or futures in anticipation of a fall in prices.

(colloquial, US) Something difficult or tiresome; a burden or chore.

(CB radio, slang, US) A state policeman (short for Smokey Bear).

(gay slang) A large, hairy man, especially one who is homosexual.

(Australia) A koala (bear).

(engineering) A portable punching machine.

(nautical) A block covered with coarse matting, used to scour the deck.

(cartomancy) The fifteenth Lenormand card.

A surname.

A male given name.

(astronomy, usually preceded by definite article) The constellation Ursa Major.

Alternative spelling of bere (“barley”). [(chiefly Scotland) Barley, especially four-rowed barley or six-rowed barley.]

Alternative spelling of bere (“pillowcase”). [(chiefly Scotland) Barley, especially four-rowed barley or six-rowed barley.]

verb

(now transitive outside certain set patterns such as 'bear with'; formerly also intransitive) To endure or withstand (hardship, scrutiny, etc.); to tolerate; to be patient (with).

To support, sustain, or endure.

To produce, yield, give birth to.

(transitive, ditransitive) To give birth to (someone or something) (may take the father of the direct object as an indirect object).

(finance, transitive) To endeavour to depress the price of, or prices in.

(chiefly transitive) To carry or convey, literally or figuratively.

(transitive) To carry (weapons, flags or symbols of rank, office, etc.) upon one's person, especially visibly; to be equipped with (weapons, etc.).

(transitive) To wear (garments, pieces of jewellery, etc.).

(transitive, rarely intransitive, of a woman or female animal) To carry (offspring in the womb), to be pregnant (with).

(transitive) To have or display (a mark or other feature).

(transitive) To display (a particular heraldic device) on a shield or coat of arms; to be entitled to wear or use (a heraldic device) as a coat of arms.

(transitive) To present or exhibit (a particular outward appearance); to have (a certain look).

(transitive) To have (a name, title, or designation).

(transitive) To possess or enjoy (recognition, renown, a reputation, etc.); to have (a particular price, value, or worth).

(transitive, of an investment, loan, etc.) To have (interest or a specified rate of interest) stipulated in its terms.

(transitive, of a person or animal) To have (an appendage, organ, etc.) as part of the body; (of a part of the body) to have (an appendage).

(transitive) To carry or hold in the mind; to experience, entertain, harbour (an idea, feeling, or emotion).

(transitive) To possess inherently (a quality, attribute, power, or capacity); to have and display as an essential characteristic.

(transitive, of a thing) To have (a relation, correspondence, etc.) to something else.

(transitive) To give (written or oral testimony or evidence); (figurative) to provide or constitute (evidence or proof), give witness.

(transitive) To have (a certain meaning, intent, or effect).

(reflexive, transitive) To behave or conduct (oneself).

(transitive) To support or sustain; to hold up.

(transitive) To sustain, or be answerable for (blame, expense, responsibility, etc.).

(transitive) To admit or be capable of (a meaning); to suffer or sustain without violence, injury, or change.

(transitive) To warrant, justify the need for.

To support, keep up, or maintain.

(transitive) To afford, to be something to someone, to supply with something.

(transitive) To carry on, or maintain; to have.

To press or impinge upon.

(intransitive, usually with on, upon, or against) To push, thrust, press.

(intransitive, figuratively) To take effect; to have influence or force; to be relevant.

(intransitive, military, usually with on or upon) Of a weapon, to be aimed at an enemy or other target.

(intransitive, originally nautical) To be, or head, in a specific direction or azimuth (from somewhere).

(transitive, less commonly intransitive) To produce or yield something, such as fruit or crops.

(transitive, rare) To feel and show (respect, reverence, loyalty, etc.) to, towards, or unto a person or thing.

(transitive, rare) To possess and use, to exercise (power or influence); to hold (an office, rank, or position).

(intransitive, obsolete) To carry a burden or burdens.

(transitive, obsolete, rare) To take or bring (a person) with oneself; to conduct.

(transitive, obsolete) To gain or win.

adjective

(finance, investments) Characterized by declining prices in securities markets or by belief that the prices will fall.

Synonyms for bear

carryv endurev toleratev holdv upbear abidev yieldv sufferv standv havev

Synonyms & related words for bear

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Words related to bear

Explore words related to bear — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include ursine, bearlike, bruin, grizzly, teddy, accept, lion, barrener. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for bear

Common synonyms for bear include carry, endure, tolerate, hold, upbear, abide, yield, suffer — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.