I. ə-ˈban-dən transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English abandounen, from Anglo-French abanduner, from ( mettre ) a bandun to hand over, put in someone's control
Date: 14th century
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 abandon ed his family
4. : to give (oneself) over unrestrainedly
5.
a. : to cease from maintaining, practicing, or using
abandon ed their native language
b. : to cease intending or attempting to perform
abandon ed the escape
• aban·don·er noun
• aban·don·ment -dən-mənt noun
Synonyms:
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
Synonym: see in addition relinquish .
II. noun
Date: 1822
: a thorough yielding to natural impulses ; especially : enthusiasm , exuberance
with reckless abandon