fə(r)ˈsāk, fȯrˈ-, fȯ(ə)ˈ- transitive verb
( for·sook -ˈsu̇k ; for·saken -ˈsākən ; forsaking ; forsakes )
Etymology: Middle English forsaken to reject, forsake, from Old English forsacan, from for- + sacan to dispute, Gothic sakan to quarrel — more at sake
1. : to renounce or surrender (as a custom or practice formerly held dear)
promised to forsake his bad habits if she would marry him
2. : to quit or leave entirely : depart or withdraw from : leave , desert , abandon
false friends forsake us in adversity
forsook the theater for a career in politics