forget oneself
The phrase "forget oneself" can refer to various scenarios where an individual loses self-control, behaves uncharacteristically, or becomes deeply absorbed in an activity.
Definition
B2General
(common)To lose self-control or composure, often resulting in inappropriate or uncharacteristic behavior.
Example
- He forgot himself and shouted at his boss during the meeting.
B2General
(common)To become deeply absorbed in something, losing awareness of one's surroundings or actions.
Example
- She forgot herself while reading the book and missed her stop.
C1General
(less common)To behave impolitely or unrestrainedly.
Example
- He forgot himself and made a rude comment during dinner.
C1General
(less common, humble)To act too boldly or arrogantly, often as a reminder to be humble.
Example
- You forget yourself, sir; you are not in charge here.
C1American English
(less common, altruistic)To act selflessly, thinking only of others.
Example
- She forgot herself and helped the stranger in need without a second thought.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "forget oneself":
lose oneselffall into oneselffind oneselfbe oneselfforget aboutlet oneself gofeel oneselfget ahead of oneselfcarry oneselflose one's headhandle oneselfabove oneselftop oneselfin spite of oneselfsorry for oneselflose sight ofmiss oneselfhelp oneselflose one's mindkeep to oneselfsort oneself outoccupy oneself