verb

forsake

to abandon, to desert, to give up

He promised never to forsake her.

He promised never to forsake her.

She forsook her career to raise her children.

She forsook her career to raise her children.

((sb./sth.)) to abandon (sb./sth.) He promised never to forsake her.

((sth.)) ((for sth.)) to give up (sth.) for (sth. else) She forsook her career for her children.

Synonyms: abandon, desert, renounce; Antonyms: keep, support, cherish

From Old English 'forsacan' meaning 'to renounce, refuse', from 'for-' (completely) + 'sacan' (to dispute).

Link it to the phrase 'for goodness' sake'. Imagine saying, 'For goodness' sake, don't forsake me!'

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