neglect
to fail to care for properlyThe child suffered due to parental neglect.
The child was harmed because their parents did not take proper care of them.
To fail to give proper attention or care to someone or something.
Neglecting your health can lead to serious consequences.
If you don't take care of your health, you may face serious problems.
The garden was neglected during the winter.
No one took care of the garden during the winter.
Often implies a deliberate or habitual failure to provide necessary care or attention.
To overlook or ignore something important or necessary.
He neglected to mention the important detail in his report.
He forgot to include a crucial piece of information in his report.
Can also mean to fail to do something that should be done.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Usage
Neglect is often used in formal or serious contexts, such as legal or medical discussions.
Gold Rule
Legal Context
In legal contexts, neglect can refer to a criminal offense, such as child neglect or elder neglect.
Word Origin
From Middle English *negleten*, from Old French *negligier*, from Latin *neglegere* (to disregard), from *ne-* (not) + *legere* (to choose).
Usage Notes
Often used in legal or social contexts to describe serious failures in care, such as child neglect or elder neglect.