- 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 unrestrainedly5 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
