abandon

I. transitive verb Etymology: Middle English abandounen, from Anglo-French abanduner, from (mettre) a bandun to hand over, put in someone's control Date: 14th century 1. a. to give up to the control or influence of another person or agent b. to give up with the intent of never again claiming a right or interest in <

abandon property

> 2. to withdraw from often in the face of danger or encroachment <

abandon ship

> 3. to withdraw protection, support, or help from <

he abandoned his family

> 4. to give (oneself) over unrestrainedly 5. a. to cease from maintaining, practicing, or using <

abandoned their native language

> b. to cease intending or attempting to perform <

abandoned the escape

> • abandoner noun • abandonment noun Synonyms: abandon, desert, forsake mean to leave without intending to return. abandon suggests that the thing or person left may be helpless without protection <

abandoned children

>. desert implies that the object left may be weakened but not destroyed by one's absence <

a deserted town

>. forsake suggests an action more likely to bring impoverishment or bereavement to that which is forsaken than its exposure to physical dangers <

a forsaken lover

>. Synonym: see in addition relinquish. II. noun Date: 1822 a thorough yielding to natural impulses; especially enthusiasm, exuberance <

with reckless abandon

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