abandonar

/aβanˈdoɲaɾ/
verbIntermediate
general

To leave or give up something or someone, often permanently or without intention of returning

Decidió abandonar su trabajo para viajar por el mundo.

He decided to quit his job to travel around the world.

El barco abandonó el puerto al amanecer.

The ship left the port at dawn.

💡

Can imply physical departure or emotional detachment.

formal

To desert or forsake, often in a moral or legal sense

El padre abandonó a su familia sin dejar rastro.

The father abandoned his family without a trace.

💡

Strong negative connotation in this context.

Collocations

abandonar un proyectoto abandon a projectabandonar a alguiento abandon someoneabandonar la esperanzato abandon hope

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

abandonar el barcoidiom
to desert a sinking ship (literally or figuratively)

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

'Abandonar' is often used for physical departure, but be aware of its strong negative connotation when referring to people.

Gold Rule

Legal Context

In legal documents, 'abandonar' may require formal procedures to be legally valid.

📖Word Origin

From Latin 'abandonare', meaning 'to give up' or 'to surrender'

📝Usage Notes

In legal contexts, 'abandonar' can refer to relinquishing rights or responsibilities.

Word Breakdown

a-
prefix indicating separation or negation
prefix
+
-bandon-
related to giving up or surrendering
root
+
-ar
verb ending indicating first conjugation
suffix
Noted on May 2, 2026ESEN