Abandon
The boat is taking on water, and the captain orders everyone off. Leaving it behind completely is different from stepping away for a moment; this verb marks that break.
Learn This WordMeaning
To give up completely; to leave someone or something behind without intending to return or continue.
Memory trick
Picture an abandoned house with nobody coming back. Carry that idea into plans: to abandon a plan is to leave it behind completely.
Examples
They abandoned their home.
After repeated failures, the team abandoned the original plan and tried a simpler approach.
The captain ordered the crew to abandon the sinking ship.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology
From Old French abandoner "to surrender, give over," from the phrase a bandon "at someone’s disposal or control."
Usage Notes
Used for leaving places or people and for giving up plans, hopes, or activities. In SSC synonym and antonym questions, contrast abandon with keep or retain; desert and forsake fit the leaving-behind sense, while relinquish fits giving up a claim or possession.
Real-life contexts
Discuss plans: "We may have to abandon that approach."
Describe a place: "The factory was abandoned years ago."
Encourage persistence: "Do not abandon your goal after one setback."
Common Mistakes
Abandon usually suggests a complete withdrawal, not a brief pause. Do not confuse the verb with the noun in "with abandon," which means freely or without restraint.
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Start LearningQuick Facts
Part of Speech
verb
Difficulty
intermediate