bear

Universal Words verb, noun verb (bore ) accept / deal with 1 (used with can / could in negative sentences and questions) to be able to accept and deal with sth unpleasant SYNSTAND: [VN] The pain was almost more than he could bear. * She couldn't bear the thought of losing him. * [V-ing] I can't bear having cats in the house. * [Vtoinf] How can you bear to eat that stuff? * [V-ing, Vtoinf] He can't bear being laughed at. * He can't bear to be laughed at. [also VN-ing] not be suitable 2 not ~ sth / doing sth to not be suitable for sth: [VN] Her later work does not bear comparison with her earlier novels (= because it is not nearly as good). * The plan won't bear close inspection (= it will be found to be not satisfactory when carefully examined). * [V-ing] The joke doesn't bear repeating (= because it is not funny or may offend people). * His sufferings don't bear thinking about (= because they are so terrible). be responsible for sth 3 [VN] (written) to take responsibility for sth: She bore the responsibility for most of the changes. * Do parents have to bear the whole cost of tuition fees? * You shouldn't have to bear the blame for other people's mistakes. negative feeling 4 ~ sth (against / towards sb)