Definition of Forgiveness forgave play \fər-ˈgāv, fȯr-\; forgiven play \fər-ˈgi-vən, fȯr-\; forgiving transitive verb 1 : to cease to feel resentment against (an offender) : pardon forgive one's enemies 2 a : to give up resentment of or claim to requital (see requital 1) for forgive an insult b : to grant relief from payment of forgive a debt Forgiveness is the intentional and voluntary process by which a victim undergoes a change in feelings and attitude regarding an offens