forsook

[fawr-sook] / fɔrˈsʊk /

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.

The scripted sequel is the triumphant homecoming of those who moved on but never forsook their roots.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 22, 2025

As a young college graduate, Mr. Whitworth forsook a promising career as a jazz trumpeter to do a different kind of improvisation as a journalist.

From New York Times • Mar. 9, 2024

Later, he forsook arts cinema to become a highly bankable commercial actor, as at home in comedy as in drama.

From BBC • Sep. 6, 2021

“American spray paint companies basically forsook graffiti in the ’90s,” she said.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 22, 2020

And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.’

From "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" by Carson McCullers