verb

forsake

faw-SAYK

Forsake (verb) means to abandon or give up someone or something, often permanently. Example: “He refused to forsake his family during the crisis.”

verb

To abandon or give up someone or something, often permanently.

"He refused to forsake his family during the crisis."

"She forsook her old ambitions to pursue a quieter life."

To turn down or refuse something that is offered.

"He forsook a comfortable job for the uncertainty of art."

How to use forsake

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo leave behind or give up on someone or something, usually for good.

When to use it

A literary or formal word — "abandon" or "give up" is more common in everyday speech.

Common pairings

forsake someone never forsake forsake one's duty

Word forms

forsook past tense, forsaken past tense, forsake plural, forsook plural, forsakes singular, forsake singular, forsook singular, forsakest singular, forsookest singular, forsaketh singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He refused to _____ his family during the crisis.

Etymology

From Old English forsacan, "to renounce or refuse," built from for- (a negating prefix) and sacan, "to dispute or contend."

Origin: Old English

Rhymes for forsake

ake take make rake wake cake lake sake bake fake jake Dake

See all rhymes for forsake →

Frequently asked questions

What does “forsake” mean?

The word “forsake” means to abandon or give up someone or something, often permanently. In plain terms, to leave behind or give up on someone or something, usually for good.

How do you pronounce “forsake”?

“Forsake” is pronounced faw-SAYK (/fɔɹˈseɪk/ in IPA).

How do you use “forsake” in a sentence?

Here is “forsake” used in a sentence: “He refused to forsake his family during the crisis.”

What part of speech is “forsake”?

“Forsake” is a verb.

Where does the word “forsake” come from?

The word “forsake” comes from Old English. From Old English forsacan, "to renounce or refuse," built from for- (a negating prefix) and sacan, "to dispute or contend.".

How many meanings does “forsake” have?

“Forsake” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to abandon or give up someone or something, often permanently.