tolerate

verb

TAH-luh-rayt/ˈtɑ.lə.ɹeɪt/UKTOL-uh-rayt/ˈtɒl.ə.ɹeɪt/

Formstolerates, tolerating, tolerated

2 meanings of tolerate

Practice

1
verbtransitive
To allow or permit something, often something seen as negative, without openly approving of it.
Local authorities tolerate street vendors despite the lack of permits.
She tolerated his rudeness only because he was a guest in her home.
Similarallow, permit
Oppositeforbid, prohibit, ban
2
verbtransitive
To endure or withstand something difficult, painful, or otherwise unpleasant.
Desert species tolerate extreme temperatures that would kill most plants.
He tolerated months of grueling treatment with remarkable patience.
Similarbear, stand, endure, withstand

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Origin

Borrowed from Latin tolerātus, the past participle of tolerō ("to endure"), with the verb-forming suffix -ate. It is related to Old English þolian ("to tolerate, suffer, bear") and French tolérer.