bear
UK: beə | US: ber
n. a large, heavy mammal with thick fur
v. to carry or support a weight
v. to endure or tolerate something difficult
v. to give birth to (a child or offspring)
The word "bear" originates from the Old English beran, meaning "to carry" or "to endure." This root is shared with other Germanic languages (e.g., German gebären, "to give birth"). The noun form referring to the animal likely arose from a taboo avoidance—early Germanic tribes used bear (from bero, "the brown one") instead of the original Proto-Indo-European word (rkto-) to avoid invoking the animal's spirit. Over time, the verb retained its original meanings of carrying, enduring, and producing, while the noun became fixed for the animal.
The grizzly bear roamed the forest in search of food.
She could barely bear the pain after the surgery.
The bridge was designed to bear heavy loads.
The tree will bear fruit in the summer.
He had to bear the responsibility of his actions.