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
Synonyms of forsake

transitive verb

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

Synonyms of forsake

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Mucking about in the mud and weeds doesn’t mean forsaking fashion. — Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026 But that doesn’t mean forsaking the forecast and the threat of more dipping temperatures to come. — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 4 Mar. 2026 Even still, Xi has not forsaken fossil fuels, still required for some industry and transport. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2026 Anguished and alone, Nick is similarly cast away, seemingly cursed to spend the rest of his days forsaken in his hometown, now a foreign land. — Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for forsake

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

Rhymes for forsake

See All Rhymes for forsake

Browse Nearby Words

for safekeeping
forsake
forsaker
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Forsake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forsake. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of forsake for Spanish Speakers

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