abandon

3 entries found for abandon.
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abandon[1,transitive verb] abandoned self-abandoned

Main Entry: ¹aban·don
Pronunciation: &-'ban-d&n
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English abandounen, from Anglo-French abanduner, from (mettre) a bandun to hand over, put in someone's control
1 a : to give up to the control or influence of another person or agent b : to give up with the intent of never again claiming a right or interest in <abandon property>
2 : to withdraw from often in the face of danger or encroachment <abandon ship>
3 : to withdraw protection, support, or help from <he abandoned his family>
4 : to give (oneself) over unrestrainedly
5 a : to cease from maintaining, practicing, or using <abandoned their native language> b : to cease intending or attempting to perform <abandoned the escape>
- aban·don·er noun
- aban·don·ment /-d&n-m&nt/ noun
synonyms ABANDON, DESERT, FORSAKE mean to leave without intending to return. ABANDON suggests that the thing or person left may be helpless without protection <abandoned children>. DESERT implies that the object left may be weakened but not destroyed by one's absence <a deserted town>. FORSAKE suggests an action more likely to bring impoverishment or bereavement to that which is forsaken than its exposure to physical dangers <a forsaken lover>. synonym see in addition RELINQUISH