abandon
uh-BAND-uhn
/əˈbændən/
To leave someone or something behind completely, often with no intention of returning.
Implies a complete desertion and disregard for the ultimate safety or care of the animal or object left behind.
The story behind the word. The word traces back to Old French 'a bandon', meaning 'at the discretion or control of another'. Over time, yielding to someone else's control evolved into leaving something entirely behind without protection.
Word relationships
- desert: 'Desert' often carries a moral connotation of military or social duty breach.
- forsake: 'Forsake' is literary and emotional, often implying turning one's back on a promise.
- protect: 'Protect' involves guarding and keeping something safe from harm.
- retain: 'Retain' means to keep possession of rather than giving up.
Commonly confused with
- surrender: 'Surrender' is a formal, responsible handover, whereas 'abandon' means leaving an animal without care.
Word family
- abandonment (noun): The act of giving up or leaving something permanently.
- abandoned (adjective): Left behind or deserted.
Collocations
- abandon an animal
- abandon hope
- hastily abandon
Idioms & expressions
- abandon ship
Example sentences
- "The cruel owner decided to abandon the dog in a deserted park during a severe storm." Rescue case report
- "They would rather suffer than abandon the creatures entrusted to their care." Literature citation
Memory hook
A BAN DON'T leave behind! Don't abandon what you love. Leaving someone completely in the cold.
When not to use
Do not use when an animal is transferred legally and responsibly to an organization; use 'surrender' instead.
Fun facts
- In legal animal care parlance, abandoning a pet is classified as a punishable misdemeanor or felony in many jurisdictions.
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