First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1abandon
verb aban·don \ə-ˈban-dən\
: to leave and never return to (someone who needs protection or help)
: to leave and never return to (something)
: to leave (a place) because of danger
Full Definition of ABANDON
transitive verb
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
See abandon defined for English-language learners
See abandon defined for kids
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Origin of ABANDON
Middle English abandounen, from Anglo-French abanduner, from (mettre) a bandun to hand over, put in someone's control
Synonym Discussion of ABANDON
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
2abandon
noun
: a feeling or attitude of wild or complete freedom
Full Definition of ABANDON
: a thorough yielding to natural impulses; especially : enthusiasm, exuberance <with reckless abandon>
See abandon defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of ABANDON
1822
Related to ABANDON
- Synonyms
- abandonment, ease, lightheartedness, naturalness, spontaneity, spontaneousness, unconstraint, uninhibitedness, unrestraint
- Antonyms
- constraint, restraint
ABANDONER Defined for Kids
1abandon
verb aban·don \ə-ˈban-dən\
aban·donedaban·don·ing
Definition of ABANDON for Kids
1
: to leave and never return to : give up completely <They had to abandon the sinking ship.>
2
: to stop having or doing <Never abandon hope.> <… Mr. Popper had abandoned his telephoning … — Richard and Florence Atwater, Mr. Popper's Penguins>
— aban·don·ment \-mənt\ noun
Synonym Discussion of ABANDON
abandon, desert, and forsake mean to give up completely. abandon is used when someone has no interest in what happens to the person or thing he or she has given up. <She abandoned the wrecked car on the side of the road.> desert is used when a person leaves something to which he or she has a duty or responsibility. <He deserted his family.> forsake is used when a person is leaving someone or something for which he or she once had affection. <Don't forsake old friends in times of trouble.>
2abandon
noun
Definition of ABANDON for Kids
: a feeling of complete freedom <Grandpa drove with reckless abandon.>
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