abandon (əˈbændən)
—
1. to forsake completely; desert; leave behind: to abandon a baby ; drivers had to abandon their cars
2. abandon ship the order given to the crew of a ship that is about to sink to take to the lifeboats
3. to give up completely: to abandon a habit ; to abandon hope
4. to yield control of or concern in; relinquish: to abandon office
5. to give up (something begun) before completion: to abandon a job ; the game was abandoned
6. to surrender (oneself) to emotion without restraint
7. to give (insured property that has suffered partial loss or damage) to the insurers in order that a claim for a total loss may be made
— n
8. freedom from inhibitions, restraint, concern, or worry: she danced with abandon
