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

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

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