v.
Pronunciation: f ə r- ' s ā k, fo ̇ r-
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form: for · sook \ - ' su ̇ k \ ; for · sak · en \ - ' s ā -k ə n \ ; for · sak · ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English forsacan, from for- + sacan to dispute; akin to Old English sacu action at law ― more at SAKE
Date: before 12th century
: to renounce or turn away from entirely <friends have forsaken her> < forsook the theater for politics>
synonyms see ABANDON