abandoning
/əˈbændənɪŋ/
VERB
1. Giving up or relinquishing something
The act of giving up control, possession, a right, or a claim, or surrendering oneself to an emotion or influence.
1.1. Giving up a possession, right, or claim
Relinquishing ownership, control, a right, or an interest without intending to reclaim it.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- retaining
- keeping
- holding on to
- reclaiming
Examples
- The company considered abandoning its claim to the disputed property.
- She was abandoning her rights to the inheritance in favor of her siblings.
Related Words
- relinquishment
- surrender
- renunciation
- forfeiture
1.2. Giving up a plan, activity, or belief
Stopping an activity, discontinuing a plan, or turning away from a belief, practice, or course of action.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- continuing
- maintaining
- persevering
- resuming
- carrying on
Examples
- The team was abandoning its original strategy after several unsuccessful attempts.
- He considered abandoning the project because of the rising costs.
Related Words
- discontinuation
- cessation
- cancellation
- renunciation
1.3. Leaving or deserting someone or something
Leaving a person, place, position, or object behind, especially when there is a duty or responsibility to remain.
Synonyms
- deserting
- forsaking
- leaving
- walking away from
- walking out on
- stranding
Antonyms
- staying
- remaining
- supporting
- protecting
- rescuing
Examples
- The crew was abandoning the ship as water flooded the lower deck.
- The family refused to abandon their home despite the difficult circumstances.
Related Words
- desertion
- neglect
- forsaking
- abandonment
1.4. Surrendering to emotions or impulses
Allowing oneself to be carried away by feelings, desires, or an external influence instead of maintaining restraint.
Synonyms
- surrendering
- yielding
- giving in
- indulging
- letting go
Antonyms
- restraining
- controlling
- resisting
- withholding
Examples
- She was abandoning herself to the joy of the celebration.
- He stopped resisting and began abandoning himself to the music.
Related Words
- self-control
- indulgence
- impulse
- emotional surrender
1.5. Giving up an insured property after a loss
Transferring an insured item or property to an insurer in connection with a claim for total loss.
Synonyms
- surrendering
- relinquishing
- yielding
Examples
- The shipowner was abandoning the damaged vessel to the insurer after the accident.
Related Words
- insurance claim
- total loss
- insured property
- indemnity
NOUN
2. An act of abandonment
The act of leaving or giving up someone or something, or the condition resulting from that act.
2.1. The act of leaving or neglecting
An instance of deserting, leaving behind, or neglecting a person or thing.
Synonyms
- abandonment
- desertion
- neglect
- forsaking
Antonyms
- care
- support
- protection
- commitment
Examples
- The abandoning of the old building left the neighborhood with an unsafe structure.
Related Words
- abandoner
- deserter
- neglectfulness
- dereliction