forsake

verb

for·​sake fər-ˈsāk How to pronounce forsake (audio)
fȯr-
forsook fər-ˈsu̇k How to pronounce forsake (audio)
fȯr-
; forsaken fər-ˈsā-kən How to pronounce forsake (audio)
fȯr-
; forsaking

transitive verb

: to renounce or turn away from entirely
friends have forsaken her
forsook the theater for politics
Choose the Right Synonym for forsake

abandon, desert, forsake mean to leave without intending to return.

abandon suggests that the thing or person left may be helpless without protection.

abandoned children

desert implies that the object left may be weakened but not destroyed by one's absence.

a deserted town

forsake suggests an action more likely to bring impoverishment or bereavement to that which is forsaken than its exposure to physical dangers.

a forsaken lover

Examples of forsake in a Sentence

forsaking most of our possessions, we evacuated just before the hurricane struck
Recent Examples on the Web Halston’s fashion designer antihero forsakes art and love for money and fame, terrorizing the people who care about him the most. TIME, 31 Jan. 2024 Warren had just forsaken a campaign for re-election when the court ruled. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 16 Jan. 2024 Ironically, when Cairo was finally produced, the role of Cleona was given to Ethel Waters, who had forsaken New York and Broadway and now had her sights set on making it in the movies. Donald Bogle, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Oct. 2023 Taiwan still styles itself as the Republic of China, tethered to a mainland its political elites fled but never forsook. Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, 12 Jan. 2024 Something big is happening … all inhibitions are being forsaken. Louisa Loveluck, Washington Post, 30 Nov. 2023 What is surprising, however, is that this production has forsaken the Pilkey poop jokes that delight devilish kids, and doubled down on the empathy, creativity, friendship and warmth that underpin the material and make parents glad of their children’s obsession. Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 28 Nov. 2023 The Osage tragedy was never forsaken by American media. Armond White, National Review, 20 Oct. 2023 For too long, universities have forsaken their core values to coddle a radical agenda. Marc Sarnoff, National Review, 23 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'forsake.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English forsacan, from for- + sacan to dispute; akin to Old English sacu action at law — more at sake

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of forsake was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near forsake

Cite this Entry

“Forsake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forsake. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

forsake

verb
for·​sake fər-ˈsāk How to pronounce forsake (audio)
fȯr-
forsook -ˈsu̇k How to pronounce forsake (audio) ; forsaken -ˈsā-kən How to pronounce forsake (audio) ; forsaking
: to give up or leave entirely
her friends have forsaken her

More from Merriam-Webster on forsake

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