Forleave

/fɔrˈliːv/ verb

Definition

Archaic term meaning to leave behind, abandon, or cease doing something.

Etymology

From Old English 'forlæfan,' combining 'for-' (completely, away) + 'læfan' (to leave). The 'for-' prefix intensified the sense of abandonment.

Kelly Says

This word is related to modern 'forego' and 'forgo'—the 'for-' prefix in Old English was like our modern 'completely' or 'entirely,' so 'forleave' meant not just to leave, but to leave something behind forever.

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