'forsake' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'forsacan,' where 'for-' meant 'completely' and 'sacan' meant 'to contend or dispute.'

'forsacan' transformed into the Middle English word 'forsaken,' and eventually became the modern English word 'forsake.'

Initially, it meant 'to completely reject or refuse,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to abandon or renounce.'