abandon
To stop pursuing or supporting something completely
Examples
In a meeting
“After three months of poor results, we decided to abandon that marketing strategy.”
Over coffee
“I'm going to abandon my diet this weekend and just enjoy the party.”
Why this word
leave
abandon implies complete desertion with no intention to return, while leave is neutral about permanence
quit
abandon suggests giving up entirely and suddenly, while quit may be more deliberate or gradual
stop
abandon conveys total relinquishment, while stop may be temporary or less final
Usage tip
Stronger than 'stop' — implies leaving something behind permanently, not just pausing
Etymology
Old French 'abandoner' from 'a bandon' (at one's disposal, freely)
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Related words
implement
To put a plan, decision, or agreement into action.
proceed
To continue with a course of action
eliminate
To completely remove or get rid of something.
initiate
To cause a process or action to begin.
backtrack
To reverse a previous decision or statement
renew
To extend or restore something for an additional period