Main Entry: ¹aban·don

Pronunciation: \ə-ˈban-dən\

Function: transitive verb

Etymology: Middle English abandounen, from Anglo-French abanduner, from (mettre) a bandun to hand over, put in someone's control

Date: 14th century

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 \-dən-mənt\ 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>.

synonyms see in addition relinquish