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tr.v. a·ban·doned, a·ban·don·ing, a·ban·dons 1. To withdraw one's support or help from, especially in spite of duty, allegiance, or responsibility; desert: abandon a friend in trouble. 2. To give up by leaving or ceasing to operate or inhabit, especially as a result of danger or other impending threat: abandoned the ship. 3. To surrender one's claim to, right to, or interest in; give up entirely: abandon a belief. See Synonyms at relinquish. 4. To cease trying to continue; desist from: abandoned the search for the missing hiker. 5. To yield (oneself) completely, as to emotion. n. Great enthusiasm or lack of restraint: skied with abandon. [Middle English abandounen, from Old French abandoner, from a bandon, at one's own discretion, without restraint : a, at (from Latin ad; see AD-) + bandon, control; see bhā-2 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] a·bandon·er n. a·bandon·ment n. |
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