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Meaning & use

to forge

verb·Academic

Last updated

UK/tə fɔːdʒ/
US/tə fɔːrdʒ/

Meanings

  1. verbtransitive

    To make an illegal copy of something, especially money or documents, in order to deceive.

    Grammar: Takes a direct object: forge a signature, forge a passport.

    Patterns

    • forge a document
    • forge someone's signature

    He was arrested for forging banknotes.

    She forged her mother's signature on the permission slip.

    They forged passports to cross the border.

  2. verbtransitive

    To develop or create something strong or lasting, especially a relationship or agreement.

    Grammar: Takes a direct object: forge a friendship, forge a link.

    Patterns

    • forge a relationship
    • forge an agreement
    • forge a link

    The two countries forged a strong alliance.

    They forged a close friendship during their studies.

    The experience forged a bond between the teammates.

  3. verbtransitivetechnical

    To shape metal by heating and hammering it.

    Grammar: Takes a direct object: forge iron, forge a sword.

    Patterns

    • forge metal
    • forge a tool

    The blacksmith forged a beautiful iron gate.

    The sword was forged in a hot fire.

    They forge steel to make tools.

Word forms

third person singularforges
past tenseforged
past participleforged
-ing formforging

Common combinations

forge a relationship
The leaders worked to forge a relationship based on trust.
forge a document
He tried to forge a document to get a visa.
forge ahead
Despite difficulties, they forged ahead with the plan.
forge a link
The new bridge will forge a link between the two towns.

Synonyms and how they differ

counterfeit
Counterfeit means to make fake money or goods, similar to forge but often used for money and products, not documents.
fabricate
Fabricate means to invent a story or lie, or to make something; it is broader and can be legal.
build
Build means to create something gradually, often used for relationships; forge implies a stronger, more deliberate effort.

Word family

forgery noun
The crime of making an illegal copy.
forger noun
A person who makes illegal copies.
forged adjective
Made illegally; fake.

Commonly confused: to forge or forge?

to forge vs forge

Do not confuse with 'forge' meaning to move forward suddenly ('forge ahead'), which is a different sense.

Practice

In which sentence does 'forge' mean 'to make an illegal copy'?

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