Abandon Meaning

UK /əˈbændən/
US /əˈbændən/
Word Definition
abandon meaning

Abandon Definition & Usage

verb

To forsake or leave someone or something behind, often with no intention of returning.

Examples

  • "The company decided to abandon its plans for expansion after the economic downturn."
  • "She abandoned her old life and moved to a new city to start over."
  • "The hikers were forced to abandon their trek due to a sudden snowstorm."
  • "The team abandoned the project after numerous setbacks and no viable solutions."
  • "He abandoned his dog in the alley, leaving it to fend for itself."
verb

To stop or discontinue an activity, often because it is too challenging or not worthwhile.

Examples

  • "She abandoned the idea of becoming a doctor after struggling with medical school."
  • "The investor abandoned his support for the startup when the financial projections fell short."
  • "After a few failed attempts, the artist abandoned the painting and started a new one."
  • "The scientist abandoned the experiment due to lack of funding."
  • "They abandoned their plans for a vacation when the travel restrictions were imposed."
verb

To renounce or relinquish one's possession, control, or responsibility over something.

Examples

  • "The king abandoned his claim to the throne in favor of his son."
  • "The soldiers abandoned their weapons when they were surrounded by the enemy."
  • "The landlord abandoned his right to the property after agreeing to a settlement with the tenants."
  • "After years of working at the firm, she abandoned her career to follow her passion for teaching."
  • "He abandoned his ownership of the house after it was seized by the bank."

Cultural Context

The word 'abandon' has a long history, originating from Old French and later becoming a commonly used term in English. It can carry a variety of emotional and social connotations, from abandonment in relationships or family dynamics to strategic or legal decisions to relinquish something.

The Final Choice

Story

The Final Choice

As dusk settled over the small town, Emily stood by the old mansion, its windows cracked and the once-pristine front yard now overrun with weeds. The mansion had been her family’s home for generations, but now, it was abandoned. Her decision had been made weeks ago, but it wasn’t until now, standing at the doorstep, that it truly hit her: she was leaving it all behind. Everything she had known, everything she had loved, was gone. The dream of revitalizing the old house, of returning the mansion to its former glory, had long faded. It wasn’t just the house that was abandoned – it was her past, her memories, and the people she had tried to hold on to. Her family had abandoned her long ago, and now, the house had become nothing but a symbol of lost time. She took a deep breath and turned away, feeling the weight of her decision pressing down on her. It wasn’t just the house she had abandoned, but the life that went with it. As she walked away, she didn’t look back, for fear that if she did, she might abandon herself too.

The Final Choice