forsake

verb

for·​sake fər-ˈsāk 

fȯr-

forsook fər-ˈsu̇k 

fȯr-

; forsaken fər-ˈsā-kən 

fȯr-

; forsaking

transitive verb

: to renounce or turn away from entirely

friends have forsaken her

forsook the theater for politics

Synonyms

• abandon
• desert
• leave
• maroon
• quit
• strand

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

Malone grew increasingly frustrated with roster construction after the Nuggets forsook their right to match contract offers for Caldwell-Pope, sources said. —Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 11 Apr. 2025

Don’t forsake the things that bring you joy during this time. —Nicole Lipkin, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025

Many feel this return to war is a huge betrayal, and that Netanyahu and his government are forsaking the remaining hostages, leaving them to die in Gaza. —Daniel Estrin, NPR, 19 Mar. 2025

But that doesn’t mean forsaking the forecast and the threat of more dipping temperatures to come. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 2025

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

Rhymes for forsake

• awake
• backache
• beefsteak
• betake
• cheesecake
• cupcake
• daybreak
• earthquake
• eastlake
• handshake
• headache
• heartache

Kids Definition

forsake

verb

for·​sake fər-ˈsāk 

fȯr-

forsook -ˈsu̇k  ; forsaken -ˈsā-kən  ; forsaking

: to give up or leave entirely

her friends have forsaken her