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forsake
/fɔːˈseɪk/
to abandon or give up
She decided to forsake her old habits for a healthier lifestyle.
She chose to abandon her old habits to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
formal
To abandon or give up something or someone, often due to a change in circumstances or priorities.
He had to forsake his dream of becoming a musician to support his family.
He gave up his dream of becoming a musician to support his family.
The king was forced to forsake his throne during the revolution.
The king was forced to abandon his throne during the revolution.
Often used in formal or literary contexts, sometimes with a sense of reluctance or sacrifice.
Collocations
forsake allto abandon everythingforsake one's principlesto abandon one's moral or ethical standards
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Formal Usage
Use 'forsake' in formal or literary contexts, such as in speeches, formal writing, or when describing significant life changes.
Gold Rule
Avoid Overuse
Avoid using 'forsake' in casual conversation; opt for simpler synonyms like 'abandon' or 'give up'.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'forsaken', from Old English 'forsacan', from 'for-' (completely) + 'sacan' (to abandon). Related to German 'versäumen' (to neglect) and Dutch 'verzaken' (to forsake).
Usage Notes
The word is often used in formal or literary contexts and can carry a sense of finality or sacrifice. It is less common in everyday speech, where synonyms like 'abandon' or 'give up' are more frequently used.
Word Breakdown
for-
completely
prefix-sake
to abandon
rootEnglish Dictionary