forsake

[fawr-seyk] / fɔrˈseɪk /

VERB

abandon, turn one's back on

Synonyms

STRONGEST

disown forgo forswear jettison quit relinquish renounce repudiate set aside spurn

STRONG

abdicate desert disclaim jilt leave resign surrender yield

WEAK

cast off change one's tune drift away give up have done with kiss goodbye leave flat leave high and dry run out on show the door take the oath throw over walk out on wash one's hands of

Antonyms

STRONGEST

allow approve continue keep

STRONG

claim hold maintain

WEAK

go back rediscover return revert

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But Iran's governing football body has accused Australia of kidnapping the players and forcing them to forsake their home nation against their will.

From Barron's • Mar. 14, 2026

I can’t be the only 57-year-old who would forsake both for six uninterrupted hours.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 6, 2025

Perhaps I’m too old, too stodgy, or even too hairy to completely forsake the shirt.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 8, 2024

Adult men should survive without requiring women to forsake our own goals and desires in order to serve them.

From Salon • Jan. 3, 2024

“You are sure you want to forsake the warm, moist breath of clay for the cold, unforgiving eternity of stone.”

From "I'll Give You the Sun" by Jandy Nelson

Vocabulary lists containing forsake

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Advanced English Words

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

List 4

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!