forsørge

Forsørge is a verb in Norwegian (also found in Danish) meaning to provide for someone financially or to support them in daily needs. It is commonly used in family and legal contexts to describe the obligation to ensure a dependent person has basic necessities such as food, housing, clothing, and care. The phrase å sørge for is a frequent collocation meaning to take care of someone or to ensure their well‑being; it is often translated as “to provide for” or “to look after.”

In legal and social contexts, forsørgelse refers to the responsibility to provide for dependents. Parental or guardian responsibility historically and today implies that adults are obliged to provide for their children’s needs, while societies may supplement this through welfare, pensions, or social benefits.

Etymology: The word is formed from for- (a prefix implying forward or addition) and sørge (to care for, to look after; in other senses it can also mean to grieve). The combination emphasizes ensuring someone’s basic needs are met.

Usage notes: Forsørge is transitive; you forsørger your children, your spouse, or other dependents. It is distinct from sørge, which in isolation often means to grieve; the set phrase å sørge for is common for expressing provision and protection. Related terms include barnebidrag (child support) and, in some contexts, underhold, though usage varies by jurisdiction.

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