abandonner

/abɑ̃dɔne/

verb★Intermediate

general

to abandon, to give up, to leave

J'ai décidé d'abandonner le projet.

I decided to abandon the project.

Elle a abandonné son enfant.

She abandoned her child.

informal

to give up (an idea, a plan, etc.)

J'ai abandonné l'idée de partir en vacances.

I gave up the idea of going on vacation.

abandonner quelqu'unto abandon someoneabandonner quelque choseto give up something

abandonner les armesidiom

to lay down one's arms

Be careful when using 'abandonner' in the context of relationships, as it can imply a strong sense of abandonment or rejection.

From Old French abandoner, from Latin abandonare

Can be used in various contexts, including formal and informal situations.

✎ Noted on May 2, 2026FR → EN