[aban.don] vt [ME abandounen, fr. MF abandoner, fr. abandon, n., surrender, fr. a bandon in one's power] (14c) 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
2: to withdraw from often in the face of danger or encroachment "~ ship"
3: to withdraw protection, support, or help from
4: to give (oneself) over unrestrainedly
5. a: to cease from maintaining, practicing, or using "~ed their native language" b: to cease intending or attempting to perform "~ed the escape" -- aban.don.er n -- aban.don.ment n syn 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". syn see in addition relinquish
[2]abandon n (1822): a thorough yielding to natural impulses; esp: enthusiasm, exuberance "with reckless ~"