brook

UK: /ˈbrʊk/ US: /brʊk/ ,(brŏŏk)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

brook¹ /brʊk/   n. [countable]

1. a small natural stream of fresh water.

brook² /brʊk/   v. [~ + object]

1. [used with a negative word or phrase, or in questions] to bear;
   suffer;
   tolerate:
   I will brook no interference.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

brook¹  (brŏŏk), n. 

1. a small, natural stream of fresh water.

• bef. 900; Middle English; Old English brōc stream; cognate with Dutch broek, German Bruch marsh

brook′less, adj. 
brook′like′, adj. 

brook²  (brŏŏk), v.t. 

1. to bear;
   suffer;
   tolerate:
   I will brook no interference.

• bef. 900; Middle English brouken, Old English brūcan; cognate with Dutch bruiken, German brauchen; akin to Gothic brukjan, Latin fruī to enjoy

brook′a•ble, adj. 
Synonyms

take, stand, endure, abide, stomach.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

brook / brʊk/ noun

1. a natural freshwater stream smaller than a river

Etymology: Old English brōc; related to Old High German bruoh swamp, Dutch broek

brook / brʊk/ verb

1. (tr; usually used with a negative) to bear; tolerate

Etymology: Old English brūcan; related to Gothic brūkjan to use, Old High German brūhhan, Latin fruī to enjoy

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

Brook / brʊk/ noun

1. Peter (Paul Stephen). 1925–2022, British stage and film director, noted esp for his experimental work in the theatre