abandon meaning and definition

ABANDON noun

Definition of abandon (noun)

1. the trait of lacking restraint or control; reckless freedom from inhibition or worry
   • "she danced with abandon"
   • synonyms: unconstraint, wantonness
2. a feeling of extreme emotional intensity
   • "the wildness of his anger"
   • synonyms: wildness

ABANDON verb

Definition of abandon (verb)

1. forsake, leave behind
   • "We abandoned the old car in the empty parking lot"
2. give up with the intent of never claiming again
   • "Abandon your life to God"; "She gave up her children to her ex-husband when she moved to Tahiti"; "We gave the drowning victim up for dead"
   • synonyms: give up
3. leave behind empty; move out of
   • "You must vacate your office by tonight"
   • synonyms: empty, vacate
4. stop maintaining or insisting on; of ideas or claims
   • "He abandoned the thought of asking for her hand in marriage"; "Both sides have to give up some claims in these negotiations"
   • synonyms: give up
5. leave someone who needs or counts on you; leave in the lurch
   • "The mother deserted her children"
   • synonyms: desert, desolate, forsake