Synonyms for

Abandon

Verb / ʌˈbændʌn / Another word for abandon — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to leave behind or give up completely

Synonyms & similar words

forsake vacate wantonness giveup desolate unconstraint wildness desert empty forsake desert leave relinquish discard quit resign yield surrender discontinue cease halt stop terminate cancel drop abrogate disavow

Synonyms by register

Formal

forsake relinquish discontinue

Informal

ditch bail on leave behind

Literary

renounce cast off

Antonyms

keep support protect cherish maintain uphold claim

Common collocations

  • abandon hope
  • abandon ship
  • abandon a child
  • abandon a project
  • abandon the car
  • abandon all hope
  • abandon the fight

Word family

noun abandonment
verb abandon
adjective abandoned

Usage note

To 'abandon' something means to leave it completely and permanently. It often carries a negative connotation, especially when referring to people or responsibilities.

Example sentences

  1. After the storm, the family had to abandon their flooded house.
  2. The team decided to abandon their mission due to safety concerns.
  3. The sailor was forced to abandon his ship in the middle of the ocean.
  4. He felt he had to abandon his plans to travel when he lost his job.
  5. The company had to abandon their project when they ran out of funding.

Quotes

  • 'The best way out is always through.' - Robert Frost
  • 'You can't abandon ship in a storm just because you can't control the winds.' - Naomi Shihab Nye
  • 'You cannot abandon ship in a storm because you cannot control the winds.' - Wayne Dyer

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