Godforsaken: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term 'godforsaken' combines 'God' and 'forsaken,' where 'forsaken' means being abandoned or left behind.
• The word started appearing in the English language around the 17th century, often used to describe remote or harsh places.

Literature

• Prominent authors like Samuel Beckett and Cormac McCarthy have used the term to evoke feelings of despair and isolation in their works.
• In literature, a 'godforsaken' setting often reflects the protagonist's inner turmoil, highlighting their struggles.

Cultural References

• In popular culture, the phrase often gets used to describe regions ravaged by war or poverty, emphasizing human suffering.
• Songs and films sometimes portray abandoned towns or wastelands as 'godforsaken,' reinforcing the theme of desolation.

Psychology

• Feeling like one is in a 'godforsaken' situation can lead to emotional distress, symbolizing hopelessness and despair.
• The term can reflect a mindset where an individual feels neglected or abandoned by the world.

History

• Throughout history, explorers have described lands as 'godforsaken' to express their difficulties and hardships during expeditions.
• The phrase has been used to describe abandoned historical sites, illustrating humanity's sometimes neglectful relationship with the past.