verb

bear

BAIR/ber/

To carry or support something.

The porter bears a heavy wooden crate in both arms.

Black adult porter carries a heavy wooden crate in both arms, clearly bearing weight.

Etymology

bearOld Englishto carry; support; endure; give birth

Old English beran already covered carrying, supporting, enduring, and giving birth. Today’s varied uses preserve that inherited range, from holding up a burden to bringing forth a child.

In context

Shakespeare Line By Line1:05

I cannot strike at wretched karns whose arms are hired to bear their staves.

Act 5 Scene 7 - Macbeth - Shakespeare Line by Line

More examples

These pillars bear the roof's weight.
She cannot bear the constant noise any longer.
The company bears responsibility for the repairs.
The envelope bears the sender's address.

Forms

bear · bears · bore · borne · bearing

Similar words

carry: Usually emphasizes transport rather than endurance or responsibility.
endure: Specifically means tolerating difficulty rather than supporting a physical weight.