Abandon
/əˈbændən/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo leave or desert something or someone, often without intention of returning
/əˈbændən/
To leave or desert something or someone
The company abandoned the project due to lack of funding.
💡 Simply: To leave something or someone behind, often forever
More Examples
The dog was abandoned by its owner and is now in a shelter.
How It's Used
"She felt abandoned by her friends when they didn't show up to her party."
"The crew had to abandon ship due to the storm."
The act of abandoning something or someone, often with a sense of giving up or relinquishing responsibility
/əˈbændən/
The act of abandoning something or someone
The abandonment of the project was a difficult decision for the team.
💡 Simply: The act of leaving something or someone behind, often with no intention of returning
More Examples
The feeling of abandonment was overwhelming after her parents got divorced.
How It's Used
"The abandonment of the property led to its deterioration."
"The feeling of abandonment stayed with her long after the breakup."
Idioms & expressions
abandon all hope
To give up all hope or expectation of something
"The team abandoned all hope of winning the game after the opponent's goal."
abandon ship
To leave a situation or project, often in a hurry or due to danger
"The crew had to abandon ship due to the storm."
From Old French 'abandoner', from 'a' (to) and 'bandon' (power, jurisdiction), from 'ban' (proclamation, ban).
The word 'abandon' has been used since the 14th century, originally from Old French 'abandoner', meaning 'to surrender or give up'.
Memory tip
Think of 'a band on' and imagine a group leaving someone behind
Practice
Word Origin
Root: ban-