Phrase guide

bring oneself to

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To force oneself to do something (usually unpleasant); to gather the courage to do something.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • He could not bring himself to ask her.
  • I know what to do, but will I be able to bring myself to do it?

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: have the heart

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Danish: få sig selv til — force oneself to do something
  • Norwegian Bokmål: få seg til — force oneself to do something