forspeak: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very rare (Archaic/Obsolete).Archaic, Literary, Historical.
Quick answer
What does “forspeak” mean?
To forbid or to bewitch (archaic).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To forbid or to bewitch (archaic); to speak against or to injure by charms or spells.
In contemporary rare usage, primarily found in historical or literary contexts referring to a jinx, curse, or prophetic utterance, or as a transitive verb meaning to bewilder or confuse through speech.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant contemporary difference; the word is equally archaic in both varieties.
Connotations
In either variety, its use immediately evokes a historical, folkloric, or Shakespearean context.
Frequency
Virtually never used in modern speech or writing except in historical fiction, poetry, or academic discussion of older texts.
Grammar
How to Use “forspeak” in a Sentence
[Subject] forspeak [Object] (transitive).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “forspeak” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The old crone was said to forspeak any who crossed her, leaving them tongue-tied.
- He feared the venture was forspoken from the start.
American English
- The villagers believed the witch could forspeak their crops, causing them to fail.
- She felt forspoken, unable to explain her sudden confusion.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical linguistics or literary studies analyzing Early Modern English texts.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Not used in any modern technical fields.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “forspeak”
- Using it to mean 'to predict' (confusion with 'foretell').
- Using it in a modern, non-literary context where it sounds jarring and unnatural.
- Misspelling as 'forespeak'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While historically related and often confused, 'forspeak' (archaic) means to bewitch or forbid. 'Forespeak' is also rare but means to predict or foretell.
It is not recommended for general communication as it is obsolete. Its use would be stylistic, limited to historical fiction, poetry, or very specific literary effects.
The most attested meaning is 'to bewitch or cast a spell upon someone,' often through speech or utterance.
Not in standard use. The related concept would be a 'jinx' or 'curse.'
To forbid or to bewitch (archaic).
Forspeak is usually archaic, literary, historical. in register.
Forspeak: in British English it is pronounced /fɔːˈspiːk/, and in American English it is pronounced /fɔːrˈspiːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in modern use. Historical: 'to be forspoken' meaning to be under a spell or jinxed.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'FOREign SPEAKer cast a SPELL.' The 'for-' prefix here can mean 'against' (like in 'forbid'), and 'speak' involves utterance—so 'to speak against' magically.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPEECH IS A SUPERNATURAL ACT (words have the power to enchant or curse).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the verb 'forspeak' be most appropriately used today?