忍受 (rěn shòu) is a compound verb meaning 'to endure' or 'to bear' something difficult, unpleasant, or painful — whether physical discomfort, emotional distress, or social pressure. The first character 忍 (rěn) means 'to restrain oneself' or 'to suppress', while 受 (shòu) means 'to receive' or 'to undergo'. Together, they convey the idea of consciously accepting and holding back one’s reaction to something adverse, rather than resisting or escaping it. This word implies inner strength and patience, often with a sense of resignation or quiet perseverance.

忍受 is commonly used in contexts involving hardship, illness, noise, unfair treatment, or prolonged stress. It carries a neutral-to-slightly-negative connotation — not heroic endurance (like 坚持), but rather tolerating something burdensome. It frequently appears in formal speech, writing, and psychological or medical discussions. Unlike casual alternatives like 忍 (alone), 忍受 emphasizes the full experience of receiving and enduring — making it more complete and grammatically stable as a verb.