Abandon

Definition

Abandon is both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to complete lack of inhibition or restraint. As a verb, it means to leave something or someone completely and without intending to return.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /əˈbændən/
• Respelling: uh-BAN-duhn

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /əˈbændən/
• Respelling: uh-BAN-duhn

The pronunciation of "abandon" is consistent across both its noun and verb forms.

Etymology

The word "abandon" originates from the Old French term "abandoner," meaning "to bring under control" or "surrender." This was derived from the Latin "ad" (to) and "bandon" (control or jurisdiction), and by the late Middle Ages, it had evolved to mean "to forsake" in English.

Derivatives

• Abandonment (noun)
• Abandoned (adjective)
• Abandoner (noun)
• Reabandon (verb)
• Abandonable (adjective)

Synonyms

• Forsake
• Relinquish
• Desert

Antonyms

• Maintain
• Keep
• Continue

Usage

The term "abandon" is commonly used to describe leaving someone or something behind without any intention of returning. For example, "The family abandoned the house during the storm." It can also describe a lack of restraint, as in "He danced with abandon."

Related Terms

• Forsake: To give up or leave entirely.
• Desert: To leave a place or person without intending to return.
• Relinquish: To voluntarily give up possession or control.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A complete lack of inhibition or restraint: Used to describe a state in which one acts without holding back or considering consequences.
  • Example: "She played the piano with abandon, pouring her soul into each note."

Verb

• To leave someone or something completely and not return: Indicates the act of forsaking a place, object, or person.
  • Example: "The sailors abandoned the ship as it began to sink."
• To give up control or interest in something: Refers to relinquishing responsibility or attachment to a particular thing.
  • Example: "He abandoned his project when he realized it was unfeasible."