abandon
verb (transitive)
UK/əˈbændən/US/əˈbændən/
to leave behind or give up completely; to desert or forsake
Example Sentences
He chose to abandon his post, leaving his colleagues to fend for themselves, even though they were depending on his support.
The villagers had to abandon their homes when the volcano erupted.
After months of fruitless effort, the research team decided to abandon the experiment.
Faced with overwhelming evidence, she decided to abandon her previous claims that the property was legally hers.
She realized that to live life fully, she needed to abandon her fears and doubts.
Due to massive debts, he was forced to abandon all his business ventures.
The dog’s owner abandoned him on the roadside, which broke the animal lovers’ hearts and prompted a rescue mission.
Despite the obstacles, he refused to abandon his dream and continued to push forward.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
To leave behind or give up completely, typically without intending to return.“Abandon” is commonly used to describe the act of leaving, relinquishing, or giving up on someone or something. In practice, you might say “He abandoned his car on the roadside,” or “They abandoned the project after facing major setbacks.” The word often implies that once you abandon something, you do not plan to return to it or reclaim it.
In formal writing, “abandon” can also be used metaphorically, such as “She abandoned all hope,” showing a complete surrender of an idea or emotion. When using “abandon,” pay attention to the context: it can convey a sense of finality or irresponsibility, depending on how you frame the departure.
It’s versatile enough to work in both personal and professional settings, but be aware that it often carries a serious or negative connotation. Phrases like “abandon ship” are used in emergencies, underscoring an urgent need to leave. In everyday speech or writing, “abandon” can be applied to personal decisions, objects, projects, or even emotions or plans—always signifying a choice to part ways or break away definitively.
Alternatives
Synonyms and Alternatives for “Abandon”
There are several synonyms and alternative phrases you can use instead of “abandon,” depending on the shade of meaning and context you need. Words like “forsake,” “desert,” and “leave behind” convey a similar sense of giving something or someone up. “Relinquish” or “renounce” suggests a conscious decision to no longer hold onto a belief, right, or possession. “Discard” carries the nuance of throwing something away as useless or unnecessary. “Opt out” or “withdraw” may apply better in formal or procedural contexts, indicating a step back or official removal from participation. Meanwhile, “quit” is more casual and direct, focusing on stopping an activity. Each of these alternatives carries slightly different connotations, so consider the emotional weight and subtlety you’d like to convey. By choosing the right synonym or related expression, you can better match the level of formality and the specific situation at hand, ensuring your message is both accurate and clear in your writing and conversations.
Writing
When writing with the word “abandon,” aim to clarify the context in which someone or something is left behind. Make sure readers understand whether the choice was forced, reluctant, or voluntary. If you’re describing a personal decision, you might highlight the emotional impact, such as guilt or relief. In more formal or academic writing, you can use “abandon” to discuss changes in ideas or strategies, emphasizing the transition from one approach to another. Employ supporting descriptions or details—why was the decision made, and how does it affect the narrative or argument? Keep your language consistent and precise to avoid unintentional drama unless it serves your purpose. By incorporating the right tone, your use of “abandon” can deliver a powerful message without confusing or overwhelming your readers.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “abandon” often shows up when someone is talking about giving up on something, like a plan, project, or responsibility. Because “abandon” can sound a bit weighty or dramatic, it’s sometimes replaced with simpler expressions like “I gave up on it” or “I just left it.” However, using “abandon” can add emphasis, conveying that the departure or decision was final. So, if you’re telling a friend about dropping out of a demanding class or leaving an event, you might say “I decided to abandon that course,” stressing that it was a definite and perhaps somewhat serious decision. This clarity can help convey the depth of feeling or the significance behind your choice.
Etymology
The word “abandon” originated from the Old French “abandoner,” meaning “to surrender to someone or something,” which in turn comes from the phrase “à bandon,” signifying “at will” or “in one’s power.” Over time, its meaning shifted from a legal or formal sense of relinquishing something into more general usage, covering the act of leaving a person, place, or thing without the intention to return. Today, “abandon” can be found in a variety of contexts, from serious matters—such as abandoning responsibilities or major projects—to casual discussions about giving up on plans. Its history reveals the deep layers of choice, consequence, and sometimes urgency behind the act of letting go. This evolution underlines how words can retain echoes of their older meanings while adapting to changing social and cultural contexts.