Abandon

To give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.

verb

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Imagine 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.

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Sounds Like

uh-BAN-dun

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Looks Like

a band on

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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.

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Other Forms

abandonmentnoun

abandonedadjective

abandoningverb (present participle)

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Connect With

desert, forsake, relinquish, renounce, abdicate, quit

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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.

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Study Deeper

Examples

The hikers abandoned their campsite when the storm approached.
The company decided to abandon the project after evaluating its costs.

Synonyms

desertforsakerelinquishrenounceabdicate

Antonyms

retainkeeppersevere

Etymology

From Old French abandoner 'to abandon, relinquish', from a- 'to' + bandon 'control, power' (origin uncertain).

Mnemonic

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.