Etymology 1

From Old French , earlier , from , from (genitive fabri). Sense of to counterfeit is in Anglo-French verb forger falsify, from Old French forgier, from Latin .

Noun

1. furnace or hearth where metals are heated prior to hammering them into shape
2. workshop in which metals are shaped by heating and hammering them
3. A counterfeit

Etymology 2

Make way, move ahead, most likely an alteration of force, but perhaps from forge (n.), via notion of steady hammering at something. Originally nautical, in referrence to vessels.

Verb

1. To shape a metal by heating and hammering.
2. To form or create with concerted effort.

   The politician's recent actions are an effort to forge a relationship with undecided voters.

3. To create a forgery of; to make a counterfeit item of; to copy or imitate unlawfully.

   He had to forge his ex-wife's signature.

   The jury learned the documents had been forged.

4. (often as forge ahead) To move forward heavily and slowly (originally as a ship); to advance gradually but steadily; to proceed towards a goal in the face of resistance or difficulty.

   The party of explorers forged through the thick underbrush.

   We decided to forge ahead with our plans even though our biggest underwriter backed out.

5. (sometimes as forge ahead) To advance, move or act with an abrupt increase in speed or energy.

   With seconds left in the race, the runner forged into first place.

Verb