ENGLISH
REFERENCE

forge

v.
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˈfɔɹdʒ// UK //fˈɔːdʒ// forge

v. to create something strong or lasting, like a relationship or a plan. It can also mean to make a fake copy of something, like a signature or money.

v. to form or create through concentrated effort; alternatively, to produce a fraudulent imitation of a document, signature, or currency. Often implies a process of shaping something durable from raw materials or ideas.


SIMPLE

The two countries hope to forge a new trade agreement.

CONTEXTUAL

After years of working together, the two scientists managed to forge a deep professional bond.

COMPLEX

The diplomat worked tirelessly to forge a consensus among the warring factions, knowing that any fragile peace would require the absolute commitment of every local leader.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

From Middle English forge, from Old French forge, early Old French faverge, from Latin fabrica (“workshop”), from faber (“workman in hard materials, smith”) (genitive fabri). Cognate with Franco-Provençal favèrge. Doublet of fabric and fabrica. Computing sense perhaps derived from the early SourceForge service, launched in 1999.

Etymology 2

From Middle English forgen, from Anglo-Norman forger and Old French forgier, from Latin fabrico (“to frame, construct, build”). Doublet of fabricate.

Etymology 3

Make way, move ahead, most likely an alteration of force, but perhaps from forge (n.), via notion of steady hammering at something. Originally nautical, in reference to vessels.

Usage

Transitive; requires a direct object such as a relationship, document, or physical object.

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