Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

abandon oneself to

idiom

Definition of abandon oneself to

literary
: to allow oneself to be fully controlled or affected by (something, such as a strong emotion)
  • He abandoned himself to despair.

Word by Word Definitions

abandon play

  1. : to give up to the control or influence of another person or agent

  2. : to give up with the intent of never again claiming a right or interest in

  3. : to withdraw from often in the face of danger or encroachment

  1. : a thorough yielding to natural impulses

See the full definition of abandon
oneself play

  1. : a person's self : one's own self

  2. : one's normal, healthy, or sane condition or self

See the full definition of oneself

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up abandon oneself to? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games