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Abandonment Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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abandonment

[əˈbændənmənt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

feeling of desertion

The act of abandoning, or the state of being abandoned; relinquishment; renunciation.

Synonyms

desertion, forsaking, rejection.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
abandonment

Used when someone leaves someone or something permanently, often in a legal or serious emotional context.

  • The abandonment of pets is a serious issue in many cities
  • Her feelings of abandonment after her parents' divorce were very strong
forsaking

Often used in a literary or emotional context, indicating intentional abandonment, sometimes for a greater cause.

  • He felt as though he was forsaking his family by moving abroad
  • Forsaking her dreams, she decided to stay in her hometown
desertion

Typically used in military or legal contexts, when someone leaves a duty or post without permission.

  • The soldier faced charges of desertion after leaving his post
  • Desertion from the battlefield is considered a serious crime
rejection

Used when someone or something is not accepted, often in social, professional, or romantic contexts. Can carry a negative connotation.

  • His job application faced rejection
  • She felt deep rejection after being excluded from the group

Examples of usage

  • The abandonment of a friend in distress.
  • His abandonment by his friends.
  • The abandonment of the country by the government.
Context #2 | Noun

act of leaving something behind

The act of leaving a person, place, or thing with no intention of returning; desertion; relinquishment.

Synonyms

abnegation, discontinuation, termination.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
abandonment

This word appears twice, so it shares the same explanation as above.

  • The abandonment of the building led to its deterioration.
discontinuation

Often used in a business or medical context to indicate that something, like a product or service, is no longer being produced or offered.

  • The discontinuation of the medication caused concerns among patients.
  • Due to low sales, the company announced the discontinuation of the product.
termination

Used to signify the end of something, often employment, contracts, or processes. It has a formal tone and can sometimes carry a negative connotation.

  • The termination of the contract was unexpected.
  • After a series of issues, the company decided on the termination of his employment.
abnegation

Used for situations where someone refuses or denies themselves something, often for moral or religious reasons. It has a more formal and self-sacrificing connotation.

  • His abnegation of luxury items impressed his peers.
  • Through abnegation, she managed to lead a life devoted to charity.

Examples of usage

  • The abandonment of a project halfway through.
  • The abandonment of a sinking ship.
  • The abandonment of old traditions.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word 'abandonment' comes from the Old French word 'abandoner', meaning 'to give up' or 'to transfer ownership'.
  • In medieval times, abandonment often related to land and property, where a lord could lose rights if he left his land for too long.
  • Legal concepts of abandonment have been established for centuries in property law across various cultures.

Psychology

  • Feelings of abandonment can lead to anxiety and depression, especially in children who may struggle with attachment.
  • A common psychological term is 'abandonment complex', representing an intense fear when individuals are left or rejected.
  • Studies show that experiences of abandonment in childhood can affect relationships well into adulthood.

Pop Culture

  • The theme of abandonment is prevalent in literature and cinema, often examined in stories about parental figures and orphans.
  • Many famous songs explore themes of abandonment, capturing the emotional pain of being left behind or losing someone.
  • In video games, players often encounter themes of abandonment—characters left alone, creating dramatic narratives.

Sociology

  • Social abandonment can refer to neglect within communities, where certain groups feel unsupported or overlooked.
  • Urban areas sometimes face issues of abandonment when buildings and homes are deserted, leading to social decline.
  • Cultural studies explore how different societies perceive abandonment, influencing social services and community support.

Ethics

  • Ethically, abandonment raises questions about responsibilities toward those dependent, including children, pets, and the elderly.
  • The act of abandoning animals can lead to significant legal consequences and is a topic of animal rights discussions.
  • Philosophically, abandonment can be viewed as a violation of trust, challenging moral obligations of loyalty and care.

Origin of 'abandonment'

The word 'abandonment' originated from the Middle English word 'abandounen', which came from the Old French word 'abandoner', meaning 'surrender, relinquish'. The concept of abandonment has been present throughout history, often associated with feelings of loss, betrayal, and neglect. Whether in relationships, projects, or societal structures, the act of abandonment has had a profound impact on individuals and communities.

See also: abandon, abandoned, abandoning.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,031 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.