forsake

/fərˈseɪk/

/fɔˈseɪk/

Other forms: forsaken; forsook; forsaking; forsakes

To forsake another person is to leave them entirely, usually in a moment of need.

Forsake may mean simply giving something up, such as a way of life or a homeland, for something better or more appropriate. But it is often a mean word, suggesting leaving something or someone behind when they need you to stay. One way to remember the meaning of this verb — to abandon or desert — is to remember this little sentence: "For heaven's sake, don't leave me, or heaven is lost!" Lose the heaven, and you have forsake.

Definitions of forsake

1. verb

   leave someone who needs or counts on you; leave in the lurch
   synonyms: abandon, desert, desolate

   types:

   expose

   abandon by leaving out in the open air

   walk out

   leave suddenly, often as an expression of disapproval

   ditch

   forsake

   maroon, strand

   leave stranded or isolated with little hope of rescue

   type of:

   leave

   go and leave behind, either intentionally or by neglect or forgetfulness
2. verb

   turn away from; give up
   synonyms: foreswear, quit, relinquish, renounce

   types:

   disclaim

   renounce a legal claim or title to

   type of:

   abandon, give up

   give up with the intent of never claiming again