'forgive' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'forgiefan', where 'for-' meant 'completely' and 'giefan' meant 'to give'.

'forgiefan' transformed into the Middle English word 'forgeven', and eventually became the modern English word 'forgive'.

Initially, it meant 'to give up resentment', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.