Forge

/fɔːrdʒ/

verbmedium📊CommonAction
4 meanings2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

4 meanings
1

To shape metal by heating it and hammering it into a desired form; to create something by a process requiring effort.

/fɔːrdʒ/

verbneutralmedium
Action

To create or form something, especially metal, by heating and hammering.

The blacksmith began to forge the steel into a blade.

💡 Simply: To make something, especially metal, by heating it up and hitting it with a hammer. It's like a super-powered version of cooking!

👶 For kids: To make something strong by heating and hitting it with a hammer, like a blacksmith making a sword.

More Examples

2

She spent years forging her skills as a writer.

3

The artist is forging a new path in contemporary art.

How It's Used

Crafts

"The blacksmith will forge the metal into a horseshoe."

Historical

"Swords were forged from iron in ancient times."

2

To produce a copy or imitation of something, typically to deceive or defraud; to fabricate.

/fɔːrdʒ/

verbnegativemedium
Action

To create a fraudulent copy of a document, signature, or object.

The criminal was caught attempting to forge a valuable painting.

💡 Simply: To make a fake copy of something, like a painting or a signature, to trick someone.

👶 For kids: To make something that looks real, but isn't, like a fake drawing or a pretend signature.

More Examples

2

The detective discovered that the will had been forged.

3

They were accused of forging signatures on the petition.

How It's Used

Law

"He was accused of forging the documents."

Finance

"The con artist attempted to forge the signature on the check."

Tip:Think of creating a fake identity or document; *forging* implies creating something that isn't real.
3

To move forward slowly, steadily, and deliberately; to advance gradually or with effort.

/fɔːrdʒ/

verbneutralmedium
Action

To move forward gradually or steadily.

The team forged ahead with their project.

💡 Simply: To keep moving forward, even when things are hard, like pushing through a crowd or facing challenges.

👶 For kids: To keep going and moving forward, step by step.

More Examples

2

The explorer forged through the dense jungle.

3

Despite the difficulties, they forged on towards their goal.

How It's Used

Figurative

"They forged ahead despite the challenges."

Military

"The troops forged through the forest."

Tip:Imagine slowly making your way forward. *Forging* implies a determined, gradual movement.
4

A workshop or establishment where metal is heated and hammered to shape it.

/fɔːrdʒ/

nounneutralmedium
Place

A workshop or place where metal is heated and shaped.

The blacksmith spent his days working in the forge.

💡 Simply: The workshop for metal work.

👶 For kids: Where someone uses fire and a hammer to shape metal.

More Examples

2

The ancient tools were found near the forge.

3

The flames danced within the forge.

How It's Used

Crafts

"The blacksmith worked tirelessly in the forge."

Historical

"The village's economy depended on the local forge."

Tip:Imagine a specific place to create metal creations.

Idioms & expressions

forge ahead

To move forward or make progress, especially despite difficulties or challenges.

"Despite the economic downturn, the company is forging ahead with its expansion plans."

forge a relationship/alliance

To create or establish a close relationship or partnership.

"The two countries are working to forge a strong economic alliance."

From Old French *forger* 'to shape, create', from Latin *fabrica* 'workshop, craft'.

Historically, 'forge' was primarily associated with the shaping of metal. The meaning related to fabrication of documents emerged later.

Memory tip

Imagine a blacksmith heating and hammering metal to *forge* a sword. This action requires creating something.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to shape, create (from *fabrica* = workshop)"

forge a signatureforge aheadforge a relationshipforge a partnershipforge metal

Common misspellings

forageforege

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written