Meaning & Definition of word "Abandon"

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    Abandon

    /əˈbæn.dən/

    noun:

    • 1. The act of abandoning something; a state of being abandoned.
      • Example: The city was filled with a sense of abandon after the festival ended.

    verb:

    • 1. To leave someone or something behind, to give up control or possession.
      • Example: The parents decided to abandon the old house in the countryside.
    • 2. To cease to support or look after someone or something.
      • Example: He had to abandon his dream of becoming an astronaut.
    • 3. To allow oneself to indulge in a particular activity.
      • Example: She abandoned herself to the music and danced all night.

    Etymology

    Middle English: from Old French 'abandoner', based on bandon 'control, power', from the noun 'ban', meaning 'to place under the authority of someone'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    abandon ship:

    to leave a ship that is sinking to save oneself.

    abandon hope:

    to stop believing that something will happen.

    abandon all pretense:

    to stop pretending or faking.

    Related Words

    abandonment:

    the act of abandoning something or someone.

    abandoned:

    having been deserted or left behind.

    abandons:

    the plural form referring to multiple acts of abandonment.

    Slang Meanings of abandon

    Meaning: to ditch someone or something.

    Example Sentence: I totally abandoned that plan when I saw how boring it was.

    Meaning: to leave suddenly with no explanation.

    Example Sentence: She abandoned her phone at the party and left without saying goodbye.