Abandon
To give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
verbAbandon
To give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
verbImagine This
Imagine a group of hikers trudging along a stormy trail. When the sky opens and lightning flashes, they decide to abandon their plans, leaving their tents, gear, and map behind as they hurry to safety.
Sounds Like
uh-BAN-dun
Looks Like
a band on
Remember This
Abandon can also be used in phrases like 'abandon ship' or 'with abandon' (unrestrainedly). In noun form, it refers to the act of abandoning or the state of being forsaken.
Other Forms
Connect With
desert, forsake, relinquish, renounce, abdicate, quit
Note
Abandon is not the same as 'abate' (to lessen). Be careful with form: abandon (verb), abandonment (noun), abandoned (adjective), abandoning (present participle). In formal writing, ‘abandon’ often describes giving up a plan or duty; ‘with abandon’ emphasizes unrestrained behavior.
Study Deeper
- The hikers abandoned their campsite when the storm approached.
- The company decided to abandon the project after evaluating its costs.
From Old French abandoner 'to abandon, relinquish', from a- 'to' + bandon 'control, power' (origin uncertain).
A BAND ON: Picture a whole band on stage, suddenly abandoning their strict script and improv-ing freely. The phrase helps recall 'abandon' as giving up restraints or plans.
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Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Renounce
verbTo give up or reject (a claim, right, or position); to abandon.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
Abscond
verbTo depart secretly or flee, especially to avoid detection or arrest.
Absolve
verbTo free someone from blame or responsibility; to pardon or exonerate.