Words / B1

uh-BAND-uh-n/əˈbændən/

To abandon is to leave someone or something and not come back. Leave can be temporary (leave the office at five); abandon sounds final, like giving up a plan, a building, or a vehicle. Desert is similar but often sounds colder, especially about people. In news English you also abandon a project when it has failed.

Meaning

To leave someone or something and not return.

Examples

• “They had to abandon the car in the snow.”
• “Rescuers had to abandon the search at night.”
• “Do not abandon a plan after one setback.”

Good to know

abandon a car / a plan / a project. Stronger and more final than leave.

Near in meaning

desert, give up

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