forge

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitive

   To shape metal by heating it until soft and hammering it.

   Grammar: Takes an object: forge a sword.

   Patterns

   • forge something from something
   • forge something out of something

   The blacksmith forged a set of hinges for the gate.

   They forged the blade from a single bar of steel.

   He learned to forge iron as an apprentice.

2. 2verbtransitivefigurative

   To build or create something lasting, such as a relationship, with effort.

   Grammar: Often used with abstract nouns: forge a friendship, forge an alliance.

   Patterns

   • forge a link with someone
   • forge an alliance with someone

   The two companies forged a partnership after months of talks.

   She forged strong friendships during her years abroad.

   The country forged a new identity after independence.

3. 3verbtransitive

   To make an illegal copy of a document, signature or banknote in order to deceive.

   Grammar: Takes an object; the copy is described as forged.

   Patterns

   • forge a signature
   • forge a document

   He was arrested for trying to forge a passport.

   Someone forged my signature on the check.

   The painting turned out to be forged.

4. 4verbintransitive

   To move forward steadily with determination, often with ahead.

   Grammar: Usually followed by ahead or on: forge ahead.

   Patterns

   • forge ahead
   • forge on

   Despite the storm, the climbers forged ahead.

   The company forged ahead with its expansion plans.

   She forged on through the crowd.

5. 5nouncountable

   A workshop with a furnace where metal is heated and hammered into shape.

   Grammar: Countable noun: the village forge.

   Patterns

   • work at a forge

   The village forge rang with the sound of hammers.

   Sparks flew from the forge as he pumped the bellows.

   The old forge now serves as a museum.

Word forms

Common combinations

forge a signature

She was accused of forging a signature on the form.

forge an alliance

The parties forged an alliance before the vote.

forge ahead

The team decided to forge ahead despite setbacks.

forge a relationship

They forged a close relationship over many years.

forge links

The university is forging links with local industry.

Synonyms and how they differ

fake

Fake is a general, informal word for imitation, while forge usually means copying official documents or signatures.

counterfeit

Counterfeit is usually used for money or goods, whereas forge covers signatures and documents too.

build

Build is general, but forge for relationships implies difficulty and strength.

hammer out

Hammer out suggests intense negotiation to reach an agreement, which is narrower than forge.

Opposites

Word family

forger noun

a person who makes illegal copies

forgery noun

a copy made to deceive

forging noun

the act of shaping metal, or a piece shaped that way

forged adjective

shaped by hammering, or illegally copied

Commonly confused: forge or forgo? forge or forego?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “forge”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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