forgive

Forgive is a verb describing the act of letting go of resentment, anger, or the desire for revenge in response to an injury or wrongdoing. It commonly involves a decision or shift in perspective toward the offender and may include empathy, mercy, or the release of punitive thoughts. Forgiveness does not necessarily mean condoning the harm, forgetting it, excusing the perpetrator, or reuniting relations; it may occur without reconciliation and does not absolve responsibility.

The term derives from Old English forgiefan, literally “to give up” or “to grant.”

In psychology and conflict studies, forgiveness is studied as a cognitive-emotional process that reduces rumination and negative affect toward the offender. It is often distinguished from forgetting or condoning and can occur independently of apology or remorse. Forgiveness can be aided by factors such as empathy, time, and perceived remorse, and may be associated with improved mental health, lower stress, and sometimes better interpersonal functioning, though outcomes vary by context and boundary-setting.

Religious and ethical traditions frequently promote forgiveness as a virtue or obligation. In Christianity, forgiveness is linked to mercy and moral renewal; in Islam and Judaism it is valued alongside expectations of accountability and repentance; various traditions across Hinduism and Buddhism emphasize letting go of attachment to anger.

Process and boundaries: Forgiveness is commonly described as a process that may involve acknowledging harm, making a deliberate choice to forgive, cultivating empathy, and setting protective boundaries to prevent further harm. Chronic harm, power imbalances, or fear of vulnerability can complicate forgiveness, and scholars distinguish forgiveness from reconciliation.

Legal context: In law, forgiveness can resemble pardon or clemency granted by an authority; this is a formal act that differs from personal forgiveness and may have different legal implications.