forsake

[fawr-seyk]

verb (used with object)

forsook, forsaken, forsaking. 

1. to quit or leave entirely; abandon; desert.

   She has forsaken her country for an island in the South Pacific.

2. to give up or renounce (a habit, way of life, etc.).

   Synonyms: forgo, relinquish, forswear

forsake

/ fəˈseɪk /

verb

1. to abandon

2. to give up (something valued or enjoyed)

Other Word Forms

• forsaker noun
• unforsaking adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of forsake¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English forsaken “to deny, reject,” Old English forsacan, equivalent to for- prefix meaning “away, off” + sacan “to dispute”; for-

Word History and Origins

Origin of forsake¹

Old English forsacan

Synonym Study

See desert ².

Example Sentences

It also added a neon sign and then subtracted it, eventually forsaking much of its original design as owners and managers came and went.

From Los Angeles Times

Underwater and forsaken, American homeowners watched as their earth-toned Tuscan kitchens and quirky bits of ornament made their homes slow to move in a glutted market.

From Salon

The scripted sequel is the triumphant homecoming of those who moved on but never forsook their roots.

From Los Angeles Times

Now that they’ve forsaken the last obstacle to selling out entirely, they will likely lose many more.

From Salon

But the beat has become so ingrained in their lives that they’ll never forsake it altogether.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• disown 
• forgo 
• forswear 
• jettison 
• quit 
• relinquish 
• renounce 
• repudiate 
• set aside 
• spurn