abandon
/əˈbændən/
VERB
1. To leave someone or something behind
To leave a person, place, or thing permanently or without intending to return, especially when continued presence or support is expected.
1.1. Leaving a place or object
To leave a location, possession, vehicle, or other object behind, often without intending to return or retrieve it.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- occupy
- remain
- stay
- retain
Examples
- The explorers had to abandon their vehicle when the road became impassable.
- The owners abandoned the old house years ago.
- The sailors were forced to abandon the damaged vessel.
Related Words
- departure
- desertion
- evacuation
- withdrawal
- disposal
1.2. Leaving someone without support
To leave a person who depends on you or expects your assistance, care, or protection.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- support
- protect
- care for
- stay with
Examples
- He refused to abandon his family during the difficult period.
- The hikers were abandoned by their guide in the wilderness.
- Parents should not abandon children who depend on them for care.
Related Words
- neglect
- betrayal
- isolation
- responsibility
- dependence
VERB
2. To give up an activity, plan, belief, or claim
To stop pursuing, maintaining, or supporting something, or to relinquish a right, intention, practice, or belief.
2.1. Giving up a plan or undertaking
To stop pursuing a project, goal, attempt, or course of action because it is no longer practical, desirable, or achievable.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The company decided to abandon the project after costs increased sharply.
- She refused to abandon her dream of becoming a scientist.
- The team abandoned its original strategy and developed a new plan.
Related Words
- withdrawal
- cessation
- termination
- resignation
- surrender
2.2. Renouncing a belief, claim, or right
To formally or deliberately give up an idea, principle, entitlement, claim, or position previously held.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The claimant agreed to abandon his legal claim to the property.
- She would not abandon her principles to gain approval.
- The organization abandoned its former policy after reviewing the evidence.
Related Words
- renunciation
- waiver
- relinquishment
- repudiation
- concession
2.3. Giving up an attempt or effort
To stop trying to achieve something or to cease an effort after encountering difficulty or opposition.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- Despite repeated setbacks, the researchers refused to abandon their search for a solution.
- He abandoned the attempt when it became clear that the equipment was unsuitable.
- You should not abandon your efforts simply because progress is slow.
Related Words
- defeat
- discouragement
- persistence
- determination
- resignation
VERB
3. To leave a place empty or unoccupied
To leave a building, area, or other location so that it is no longer occupied or used.
3.1. Vacating a building or property
To leave a property or location unused or unoccupied, often permanently.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- occupy
- inhabit
- settle
- populate
Examples
- Residents abandoned the village after repeated flooding.
- The factory was abandoned when production moved overseas.
- The tenants abandoned the apartment before their lease expired.
Related Words
- vacancy
- evacuation
- desertion
- unoccupied
- derelict
NOUN
4. Unrestrained freedom or uninhibited behavior
A state of acting freely and intensely without restraint, inhibition, or concern about conventional limits.
4.1. Acting with complete freedom or enthusiasm
A manner of behaving with uninhibited energy, spontaneity, or emotional intensity.
Synonyms
- unconstraint
- uninhibitedness
- spontaneity
- freedom
- unrestrainedness
Antonyms
- restraint
- inhibition
- constraint
- self-control
Examples
- The children danced with abandon at the celebration.
- She sang with abandon, unconcerned about who might hear her.
- The performers approached the final scene with joyful abandon.
Related Words
- enthusiasm
- exuberance
- impetuosity
- recklessness
- emotional intensity