Definition

1. Verb (past tense of ):
   • To abandon or leave: "forsook" means to have left someone or something, especially when one should have stayed or provided support.
   • To renounce or give up: "forsook" can also mean to have voluntarily given up a habit, practice, or belief.

Usage Examples

• To abandon or leave:

  • He forsook his family to pursue a life of adventure. (He abandoned his family, leaving them behind.)
  • The dog forsook its owner during the storm. (The dog left its owner in a time of need.)

• To renounce or give up:

  • She forsook her old habits of smoking and drinking. (She voluntarily gave up those bad habits.)
  • They forsook their traditional beliefs after moving to the city. (They renounced or abandoned their former customs.)

Advanced Usage

• "forsook for": to leave one thing in favour of another.

  • He forsook his comfortable job for a risky startup. (He abandoned his stable job to pursue a more uncertain venture.)

• "forsook in times of trouble": to abandon someone when they need help most.

  • Many friends forsook him when he fell ill. (They left him during his time of sickness.)

Variants and Related Words

• Forsake (verb, present tense): to abandon or give up.

  • Do not forsake your principles. (Do not abandon your moral standards.)

• Forsaken (past participle): having been abandoned.

  • The forsaken house stood empty for years. (The house was left abandoned.)

• Forsaking (gerund/present participle): the act of abandoning.

  • Forsaking one's duties is considered irresponsible. (The act of abandoning responsibilities.)

Synonyms

• Abandoned: left behind or given up.
• Renounced: formally gave up or rejected.
• Deserted: left without intending to return.
• Quit: stopped or left voluntarily.

Related Idioms

• "Forsook the path": to abandon a chosen course of action or moral direction.

  • He forsook the path of honesty and began to lie. (He abandoned his commitment to truthfulness.)

• "Forsook one's post": to leave a position of duty or responsibility.

  • The guard forsook his post, leaving the gate unguarded. (He abandoned his assigned duty.)