In the following question, out of the four alternatives, choose the word which best expresses the meaning of the given word and click the button corresponding to it. FORSWEAR (to forswear something means to renounce, give up, or abandon it formally and completely).

Introduction:
This vocabulary question asks for a synonym of the verb "forswear". Knowing exact meanings of such words is important for understanding legal language, serious promises, and formal declarations. The question checks whether you can distinguish between related ideas like swearing, taking an oath, abusing, and giving something up completely.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- Target word: FORSWEAR.
- Options: SWEAR, OATH, ABUSE, FORSAKE.
- The stem hints that "forswear" is connected with renouncing or giving up something formally.
- We assume standard dictionary meanings of all four options.

Concept / Approach:
"Forswear" often means to renounce, reject, or give up something under oath or in a very firm manner. For example, someone might forswear bad habits or forswear allegiance to a particular cause. The best synonym among the options will be a verb that expresses the idea of abandoning or giving up, not just speaking or insulting. "Forsake" is very close in meaning, as it means to leave, desert, or give up something or someone.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the meaning of "forswear": to renounce, disclaim, or give up, sometimes with a formal or solemn declaration.Step 2: Consider "forsake". This verb means to abandon or leave something, often in a final and serious way.Step 3: Compare the two meanings. Both involve giving up or turning away from something, which makes "forsake" a strong synonym.Step 4: Examine "swear". This can mean to take an oath or to use abusive language, but it does not mean to give something up.Step 5: Examine "oath" (a noun, not a verb) and "abuse" (to treat badly or insult), and see that neither matches the core idea of renouncing something.

Verification / Alternative check:
Try using the words in sample sentences. "He decided to forswear alcohol" is similar in sense to "He decided to forsake alcohol", meaning he gave it up completely. If you replace "forswear" with "swear", the meaning changes completely. Likewise, "oath" cannot fit because it is not a verb, and "abuse" would suggest harming something rather than giving it up. This confirms that "forsake" is the best synonym in this set.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, SWEAR, refers mainly to making a promise or using strong language, not to abandoning a practice or belief. Option B, OATH, is a noun describing the formal promise itself, so it cannot function as a synonym for the verb "forswear". Option C, ABUSE, means to treat someone or something cruelly or to speak badly, which is very different from renouncing something. Only option D, FORSAKE, directly captures the idea of giving up or abandoning.

Common Pitfalls:
Many candidates see the "swear" part inside "forswear" and quickly select SWEAR or OATH because they look similar, without considering that the prefix "for" changes the meaning. Another pitfall is to ignore the hint in the question that points toward renouncing or giving up. To avoid these mistakes, always recall or check the full meaning of the whole word and do not rely on just a part of it.

Final Answer:
The word that best expresses the meaning of "forswear" in this context is FORSAKE.