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
1
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."
2
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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- forsakes
- Past tense
- forsook, forsaken
- Archaic forms
- forsakest, forsookest, forsaketh
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."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for forsake
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.
