Abandon vs. Abandonment — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 6, 2024
"Abandon" refers to the act of leaving something or someone definitively, while "abandonment" is the state or condition resulting from this action.
Difference Between Abandon and Abandonment
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
"Abandon" is a verb that involves the act of leaving someone or something behind, often permanently or without the intention to return. Whereas "abandonment" is a noun that describes the state or condition that occurs after something or someone has been abandoned.
The action to abandon can be applied in various contexts, including emotional, physical, or legal scenarios. On the other hand, abandonment specifically refers to the aftermath and ongoing state following the act.
When one abandons, it is an active decision and a direct action. In contrast, abandonment reflects the passive aftermath, often emphasizing the implications for those left behind or the status of what remains.
Legal documents might specify the requirements to prove "abandon," such as intent and action. Whereas, in discussing "abandonment," the focus would shift to demonstrating the enduring consequences and state arising from such actions.
In emotional contexts, to abandon might reflect a moment of decision or crisis, implying a turning point. Conversely, abandonment carries the weight of the emotional void and ongoing distress experienced thereafter.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Verb (action)
Noun (state/condition)
Focus
The act of leaving or giving up
The condition resulting from being left or given up
Example Use
"He decided to abandon the old car in the garage."
"The abandonment of the property led to its decay."
Emotional Context
Often implies an active decision or crisis point.
Emphasizes the ongoing emotional void.
Legal Context
Focuses on the intent and the act of leaving.
Deals with consequences and legal status afterward.
Compare with Definitions
Abandon
To leave completely and finally; forsake utterly.
She had to abandon her car in the floodwaters.
Abandonment
The state of being abandoned.
The house fell into abandonment.
Abandon
To surrender one's claim to, right to, or interest in; give up entirely.
The sailor abandoned the sinking ship.
Abandonment
The legal surrender of a claim, privilege, or right.
The abandonment of their marital rights was controversial.
Abandon
To stop doing an activity before you have finished it.
The game was abandoned due to rain.
Abandonment
A complete lack of inhibition or restraint.
Her abandonment in the pursuit of fun worried her friends.
Abandon
To yield (oneself) without restraint or moderation; give (oneself) over to natural impulses.
He danced with abandon.
Abandonment
The act of abandoning something.
The abandonment of the project disappointed many.
Abandon
To give up; discontinue or withdraw from.
He abandoned his studies to travel the world.
Abandonment
Psychological term referring to an emotional state of being left behind.
The child felt a deep sense of abandonment.
Abandon
To withdraw one's support or help from, especially in spite of duty, allegiance, or responsibility; desert
Abandon a friend in trouble.
Abandonment
To withdraw one's support or help from, especially in spite of duty, allegiance, or responsibility; desert
Abandon a friend in trouble.
Abandon
To give up by leaving or ceasing to operate or inhabit, especially as a result of danger or other impending threat
Abandoned the ship.
Abandonment
To give up by leaving or ceasing to operate or inhabit, especially as a result of danger or other impending threat
Abandoned the ship.
Abandon
To surrender one's claim to, right to, or interest in; give up entirely
Abandon a belief.
Abandonment
To surrender one's claim to, right to, or interest in; give up entirely
Abandon a belief.
Abandon
To cease trying to continue; desist from
Abandoned the search for the missing hiker.
Abandonment
To cease trying to continue; desist from
Abandoned the search for the missing hiker.
Abandon
To yield (oneself) completely, as to emotion.
Abandonment
To yield (oneself) completely, as to emotion.
Abandon
Great enthusiasm or lack of restraint
Skied with abandon.
Abandonment
Great enthusiasm or lack of restraint
Skied with abandon.
Abandon
(transitive) To give up or relinquish control of, to surrender or to give oneself over, or to yield to one's emotions.
Abandonment
The act of abandoning, or the state of being abandoned; total desertion; relinquishment.
Abandon
(transitive) To desist in doing, practicing, following, holding, or adhering to; to turn away from; to permit to lapse; to renounce; to discontinue.
Abandonment
The voluntary leaving of a person to whom one is bound by a special relation, as a wife, husband or child; desertion.
Since he left her, she's suing him for divorce on grounds of abandonment.
Abandon
(transitive) To leave behind; to desert, as in a ship, a position, or a person, typically in response to overwhelming odds or impending dangers; to forsake, in spite of a duty or responsibility.
Many baby girls have been abandoned on the streets of Beijing.
She abandoned her husband for a new man.
Abandonment
An abandoned building or structure.
High-profile abandonments are harder to infiltrate for urban explorers due to their heightened security.
Abandon
To subdue; to take control of.
Abandonment
(legal) The relinquishment of a right, claim, or privilege; relinquishment of right to secure a patent by an inventor; relinquishment of copyright by an author.
Abandon
To cast out; to banish; to expel; to reject.
Abandonment
(legal) The relinquishment by the insured to the underwriters of what may remain of the property insured after a loss or damage by a peril insured against.
Abandon
(transitive) To no longer exercise a right, title, or interest, especially with no interest of reclaiming it again; to yield; to relinquish.
I hereby abandon my position as manager.
Abandonment
The cessation of service on a particular segment of the lines of a common carrier, as granted by a government agency.
Abandon
(transitive) To surrender to the insurer (an insured item), so as to claim a total loss.
Abandonment
A refusal to receive freight so damaged in transit as to be worthless and render carrier liable for its value.
Abandon
A yielding to natural impulses or inhibitions; freedom from artificial constraint, with loss of appreciation of consequences.
Abandonment
The self-surrender to an outside influence.
Abandon
(obsolete) abandonment; relinquishment.
Abandonment
Abandon; careless freedom or ease; surrender to one's emotions.
Abandon
To cast or drive out; to banish; to expel; to reject.
That he might . . . abandon them from him.
Being all this time abandoned from your bed.
Abandonment
The act of abandoning, or the state of being abandoned; total desertion; relinquishment.
The abandonment of the independence of Europe.
Abandon
To give up absolutely; to forsake entirely ; to renounce utterly; to relinquish all connection with or concern on; to desert, as a person to whom one owes allegiance or fidelity; to quit; to surrender.
Hope was overthrown, yet could not be abandoned.
Abandonment
The relinquishment by the insured to the underwriters of what may remain of the property insured after a loss or damage by a peril insured against.
Abandon
Reflexively: To give (one's self) up without attempt at self-control; to yield (one's self) unrestrainedly; - often in a bad sense.
He abandoned himself . . . to his favorite vice.
Abandonment
The relinquishment of a right, claim, or privilege, as to mill site, etc.
Abandon
To relinquish all claim to; - used when an insured person gives up to underwriters all claim to the property covered by a policy, which may remain after loss or damage by a peril insured against.
Abandonment
Careless freedom or ease; abandon.
Abandon
Abandonment; relinquishment.
Abandonment
The act of giving something up
Abandon
A complete giving up to natural impulses; freedom from artificial constraint; careless freedom or ease.
Abandonment
Withdrawing support or help despite allegiance or responsibility;
His abandonment of his wife and children left them penniless
Abandon
The trait of lacking restraint or control; freedom from inhibition or worry;
She danced with abandon
Abandonment
The voluntary surrender of property (or a right to property) without attempting to reclaim it or give it away
Abandon
A feeling of extreme emotional intensity;
The wildness of his anger
Abandon
Forsake, leave behind;
We abandoned the old car in the empty parking lot
Abandon
Stop maintaining or insisting on; of ideas, claims, etc.;
He abandoned the thought of asking for her hand in marriage
Both sides have to give up some calims in these negociations
Abandon
Give up with the intent of never claiming again;
Abandon your life to God
She gave up her children to her ex-husband when she moved to Tahiti
We gave the drowning victim up for dead
Abandon
Leave behind empty; move out of;
You must vacate your office by tonight
Abandon
Leave someone who needs or counts on you; leave in the lurch;
The mother deserted her children
Common Curiosities
What are the typical reasons for abandonment?
Common reasons include financial difficulty, emotional detachment, or overwhelming responsibilities.
How does one legally prove abandonment?
Legal proof often requires demonstrating intent to forsake and actions that constitute leaving without plans to return.
Can abandonment occur in relationships?
Yes, abandonment can occur in both physical and emotional forms in relationships.
How can abandonment be addressed legally?
It can be addressed through family law, property law, or contractual obligations, depending on the context.
Is abandonment always intentional?
While often intentional, abandonment can also occur due to unforeseen circumstances like accidents or sudden illness.
How can one cope with feelings of abandonment?
Coping strategies may include therapy, support groups, and personal development efforts.
How does society view abandonment?
Societal views on abandonment are generally negative, seeing it as a failure of responsibility.
What are the psychological effects of abandonment?
Psychological effects can include feelings of loss, betrayal, insecurity, and long-term trust issues.
What is the difference between abandonment and neglect?
Abandonment is leaving something or someone behind, while neglect is failing to care for something or someone but not necessarily leaving.
Can animals experience abandonment?
Yes, animals can be abandoned by their owners, leading to various welfare concerns.
What are the long-term effects of childhood abandonment?
Long-term effects can include attachment issues, low self-esteem, and difficulties in forming relationships.
How is abandonment treated in psychology?
It is often treated through therapies that address underlying attachment issues and emotional trauma.
What are the signs of emotional abandonment in a relationship?
Signs include lack of communication, affection, and support, and increasing emotional distance.
Can abandonment issues be healed?
Yes, with appropriate therapy and support, individuals can overcome the impacts of abandonment.
Is abandonment a theme in literature?
Yes, it is a common theme, often used to explore the consequences of isolation and loss.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Snapchat vs. Texting
Next Comparison
Groan vs. GutturalAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
