abandon

a-ban-don · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To leave completely and finally; to forsake utterly.

  2. 2.

    To give up or discontinue any further interest in something.

  3. 3.

    To yield oneself without restraint or moderation.

  4. 4.

    Complete lack of inhibition or restraint; reckless freedom.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    abandon ship — To leave a vessel that is sinking; to give up on something failing.
  • •
    with abandon — In an unrestrained or uninhibited manner.
  • •
    abandon hope — To give up all expectation of success.

Related words

Antonyms: continue, keep, maintain, retain
See also: abandoned, abandonment, desert, forsake
Synonyms: desert, forsake, leave, quit, relinquish

Etymology

From Old French abandoner, from a bandon ("at one's disposal"), from a ("at, to") + bandon ("power, jurisdiction"), from Frankish \ban ("proclamation, order"). Related to English ban*.