Forbearance refers to the act or quality of being patient, tolerant and forgiving. It is the ability to withhold judgment or punishment, even when one has the power to do so. In other words, it means showing restraint in the face of provocation or wrongdoing, rather than reacting harshly or impulsively. Forbearance can be applied in various situations such as personal relationships, business dealings and legal matters, where individuals are called upon to exercise self-control and refrain from taking immediate action that may cause harm or further conflict.