"Abandon" vs "forsake"

Question

"Abandon" vs "forsake"

Both 'forsake' and 'abandon' are correct English words that can be used to convey the idea of leaving someone or something behind. They are comparable in meaning and can be used interchangeably in many contexts.

Last Updated: April 06, 2024

It can be used in both formal and informal contexts to indicate leaving something or someone completely. 'Abandon' is a more neutral term compared to 'forsake.'

Examples:

The ship was abandoned by its crew during the storm.
He abandoned his old car by the side of the road.
The project was abandoned due to lack of funding.
She felt abandoned by her family when they moved away.
The dog was abandoned by its owner and left to fend for itself.

Alternatives:

leave
discard
give up on
relinquish
cast aside

It is often used in a more formal or poetic context to convey a sense of betrayal or desertion. 'Forsake' is a stronger word than 'abandon' and carries a more emotional weight.

Examples:

He vowed never to forsake his principles.
She felt forsaken by her friends when they didn't show up for her birthday.
The knight chose to forsake his kingdom for his true love.
The old house was forsaken and left to decay.
The soldier felt forsaken by his comrades on the battlefield.

Alternatives:

leave behind
desert
betray
discard
relinquish

Answer 1

Abandon

The word 'abandon' also means to leave someone or something behind, often in a careless or unthinking manner. It is a more common word compared to 'forsake' and is used in various contexts.

Answer 2

forsake

The word 'forsake' means to abandon or leave someone or something entirely. It is a less common word compared to 'abandon' but is still correct and can be used in formal or literary contexts.