abandon definition

1. the trait of lacking restraint or control; reckless freedom from inhibition or worry
• examples: she danced with abandon
2. forsake, leave behind
• examples: We abandoned the old car in the empty parking lot
3. give up with the intent of never claiming again
• examples: Abandon your life to God
• examples: She gave up her children to her ex-husband when she moved to Tahiti
• examples: We gave the drowning victim up for dead
4. stop maintaining or insisting on; of ideas or claims
• examples: He abandoned the thought of asking for her hand in marriage
• examples: Both sides have to give up some claims in these negotiations
5. leave someone who needs or counts on you; leave in the lurch
• examples: The mother deserted her children