Forborn

/fərˈbɔrn/ adjective

Definition

An archaic word meaning abandoned, forsaken, or utterly ruined and without hope.

Etymology

From Old English 'forboren,' past participle of 'forberan.' Combined with 'for-' (completely) + 'beran' (to bear), meaning completely worn out or abandoned—similar to 'forlorn' which derives from related Old English roots.

Kelly Says

'Forborn' is so archaic that most people have never heard it, but it's essentially a twin of 'forlorn'—both describe a kind of hopeless abandonment, and seeing them together shows how English had multiple words for despair.

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