abandon
Translation
to abandon, to desert, to give up, to leave
Examples
They had to abandon the sinking ship.
They had to abandon the sinking ship.
He abandoned his family.
He abandoned his family.
She abandoned her dream of becoming a singer.
She abandoned her dream of becoming a singer.
Grammar Patterns
((sth./sb.)) to leave (sth./sb.) behind They had to abandon the sinking ship.
Similar Words
Synonyms: desert, forsake, give up; Antonyms: keep, support, adopt
Etymology
From Old French 'a bandon', meaning 'at one's disposal'. 'a-' (to, at) + 'bandon' (power, control).
Memory Tips
Imagine putting a ship 'a-ban-on' the sea and leaving it there, no longer under your control.