Forsake

/fərˈsāk/

Meaning & Definition

verb
To abandon or renounce someone or something.
He decided to forsake his old lifestyle for a healthier one.
To give up or leave behind, especially when it comes to personal responsibility.
She would never forsake her duties as a mother.
To reject or deny access to something or someone.
The old friends forsook their bond when they moved to different cities.
To intentionally disregard or not take advantage of.
He can forsake his rights to the property if he chooses to.
To abandon in a way that indicates a strong degree of disloyalty.
In his hour of need, his colleagues forsook him, leaving him to face the crisis alone.

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English forsacan, meaning 'to deny, refuse'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

forsake all others
To abandon or ignore all other romantic interests.
forsake one's duty
To neglect or give up one's responsibilities.

Related Words

abandon
To leave completely and finally; to forsake utterly.
desert
To leave someone or something in a difficult situation.
relinquish
To voluntarily cease to keep or claim; to give up.

Slang Meanings