forsake

/fɔːˈseɪk/
verb★Intermediate
◆ What It Really Means
To abandon or desert someone or something, often in a way that shows a lack of loyalty or commitment.
Literal Meaning
To seek away from
Literal Breakdown
for-away from+-saketo seek
◇ Mental Image
The mental image of turning away from something or someone, often with a sense of finality or betrayal.
◈ When to Use
A person might say, 'He decided to forsake his family for a life of adventure,' to describe someone abandoning their family for a new lifestyle.
◉ Cultural Note
The word has strong connotations of betrayal or abandonment, often used in religious or literary contexts to emphasize the gravity of the action.
formalliterary

To abandon or desert someone or something, often in a way that shows a lack of loyalty or commitment.

He decided to forsake his family for a life of adventure.

She chose to forsake her career in law to pursue her passion for art.

💡

Often used in formal or literary contexts to convey a sense of abandonment or betrayal.

Collocations

forsake allto abandon everythingforsake one's dutyto neglect one's responsibilities

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

forsake allphrase
to abandon everything
forsake one's dutyphrase
to neglect one's responsibilities

💡Pro Tip

Formal Usage

Use 'forsake' in formal or literary contexts to convey a sense of abandonment or betrayal.

⚡Gold Rule

Avoid Casual Use

Avoid using 'forsake' in casual conversation; it is more appropriate for formal or literary contexts.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'forsaken', from Old English 'forsacan', meaning 'to renounce, abandon'. Related to German 'versäumen' (to neglect) and Dutch 'verzaken' (to forsake).

📝Usage Notes

Often used in formal or literary contexts, and can carry strong emotional or moral weight. Avoid using in casual conversation.

Word Breakdown

for-
away from
prefix
+
-sake
to seek
root
English Dictionary