forget

UK: fəˈɡet | US: fərˈɡet

Definition
  1. vt. to fail to remember something

  2. vt. to unintentionally leave something behind

  3. vi. to cease to think of something

Structure
for <away, against>get <grasp, obtain>
Etymology

The word "forget" originates from Old English forgietan, combining the prefix for- (meaning "away" or "against," implying negation or loss) with gietan (an older form of "get," meaning "to grasp" or "obtain"). The literal sense was "to lose hold of (in the mind)," evolving into its modern meaning of failing to remember. The prefix for- appears in other English words like "forbid" (to bid against) and "forgive" (to give up resentment). Over time, "get" shifted from "grasp" to broader meanings, but "forget" retained its original sense of mental loss.

Examples
  1. Don’t forget to call your mother on her birthday.

  2. I often forget where I put my keys.

  3. She forgot her umbrella at the restaurant.

  4. Time heals wounds, but we never forget.

  5. He forgot the password after changing it.