Abandon: meaning, definitions and examples

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abandon

 

[ əˈband(ə)n ]

Verb / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Verb

leave behind

To cease to support or look after someone or something; desert.

Synonyms

desert, discard, forsake, leave.

Examples of usage

  • He abandoned his wife and children.
  • The puppy was abandoned on the side of the road.
Context #2 | Verb

give up

To give up completely (a course of action, a practice, or a way of thinking).

Synonyms

forfeit, relinquish, renounce, surrender.

Examples of usage

  • She abandoned her plans for the weekend.
  • He abandoned his unhealthy lifestyle.
Context #3 | Noun

lack of restraint

Complete lack of inhibition or restraint.

Synonyms

carefreeness, impulsiveness, recklessness.

Examples of usage

  • Dancing with wild abandon.
  • He drove with reckless abandon.

Translations

Translations of the word "abandon" in other languages:

🇵🇹 abandonar

🇮🇳 त्यागना (tyagna)

🇩🇪 verlassen

🇮🇩 meninggalkan

🇺🇦 покидати

🇵🇱 porzucić

🇯🇵 放棄する (hōki suru)

🇫🇷 abandonner

🇪🇸 abandonar

🇹🇷 terk etmek

🇰🇷 버리다 (beorida)

🇸🇦 تخلى (takhalla)

🇨🇿 opustit

🇸🇰 opustiť

🇨🇳 放弃 (fàngqì)

🇸🇮 zapustiti

🇮🇸 yfirgefa

🇰🇿 тастап кету (tastap ketu)

🇬🇪 მიტოვება (mitoveba)

🇦🇿 tərk etmək

🇲🇽 abandonar

Etymology

The word 'abandon' has its origins in the Middle English word 'abandounen', which came from the Old French word 'abandoner', meaning 'surrender' or 'give up'. It has been used in English since the 14th century with various meanings related to leaving, giving up, or lack of restraint.

See also: abandoned, abandoning, abandonment.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,435 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.