Abandonned: meaning, definitions and examples
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abandonned
[ əˈbændənd ]
deserted place
Abandoned refers to something that has been left behind or deserted. It often describes places, objects, or even people who have been forsaken or left without care.
Synonyms
deserted, forsaken, neglected.
Examples of usage
- The abandoned house stood in the middle of the forest.
- The abandoned puppy cried for help.
- They discovered an abandoned car on the highway.
- The city has many abandoned buildings from the economic downturn.
Etymology
The word 'abandoned' originates from the Middle English term 'abandonen', which is derived from the Old French word 'abandoner'. This, in turn, comes from the Latin term 'abandonare', meaning 'to give up, to yield'. The Latin components consist of 'ab-' meaning 'away from' and 'bandon', a variant of 'bandon', which means 'power' or 'control'. Thus, the etymology conveys the essence of relinquishing control or leaving something behind. Historically, the use of the term has been associated with various contexts, including personal relationships, property, and even legal matters, indicating a lack of claim or ownership. As society evolved, the meaning expanded to encompass a broader range of abandoned items, places, and circumstances.