26984 words

abandon

8 definitions • 15 examples
1
to leave a place, thing, or person, usually for ever:

Examples:

We had to abandon the car.
By the time the rebel troops arrived, the village had already been abandoned.
As a baby he was abandoned by his mother.
abandon ship We were sinking fast, and the captain gave the order to abandon ship.
2
to stop doing an activity before you have finished it:

Examples:

The game was abandoned at half-time because of the poor weather conditions.
They had to abandon their attempt to climb the mountain.
3
to allow yourself to be controlled completely by a feeling or way of living:

Examples:

He abandoned himself to his emotions.
4

Examples:

We danced with wild abandon.
5
to leave behind or run away from someone or something, or to give up something:

Examples:

Air attacks forced the villagers to abandon their homes.
The weather was so bad, we abandoned our plans for a picnic.
6
to stop an activity before it is finished, usually because you think you cannot succeed:

Examples:

abandon a project/plan/an idea The car maker has abandoned its plans to build a giant new plant.
abandon a lawsuit/case/claim The high cost of legal representation can influence a person's decision about whether to abandon a claim.
7
to leave a person, place, or thing that needs you to care for them:

Examples:

He kept the company going because he didn't want to abandon his staff.
A vehicle had been abandoned on the side of the road.
8
to allow an insurance company to keep property that has been lost or damaged, in exchange for an insurance payment

Navigation