Definition of abandon

< abampere

abandoned >

a·ban·don    (-bndn) KEY 

TRANSITIVE VERB:
a·ban·doned, a·ban·don·ing, a·ban·dons

1. To withdraw one's support or help from, especially in spite of duty, allegiance, or responsibility; desert: abandon a friend in trouble.
2. To give up by leaving or ceasing to operate or inhabit, especially as a result of danger or other impending threat: abandoned the ship.
3. To surrender one's claim to, right to, or interest in; give up entirely. See Synonyms at relinquish.
4. To cease trying to continue; desist from: abandoned the search for the missing hiker.
5. To yield (oneself) completely, as to emotion.

NOUN:

1. Unbounded enthusiasm; exuberance.
2. A complete surrender of inhibitions.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English abandounen, from Old French abandoner, from a bandon : a, at (from Latin ad; see ad-) + bandon, control; see bh-² in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
a·bandon·er(Noun), a·bandon·ment(Noun)