abandonar

Abandonar is a Spanish verb meaning to leave behind or forsake someone or something, to quit or relinquish a habit, place, or commitment. It can describe physical departure from a location, neglect or disposal of an object, or the termination of an activity or relationship. The sense ranges from temporary resignation to complete desertion, depending on context and permanence.

Etymology: The verb comes from Old French abandoner, which entered Spanish as abandonar. The core idea is the act of giving up control, care, or possession of something.

Conjugation: Abandonar is a regular -ar verb. Present indicative: yo abandono, tú abandonas, él/ella/usted abandona, nosotros abandonamos, vosotros abandonáis, ellos/ellas abandonan. Preterite: abandoné, abandonaste, abandonó, abandonamos, abandonasteis, abandonaron. Imperfect: abandonaba, abandonabas, abandonaba, abandonábamos, abandonabais, abandonaban. Future: abandonaré, abandonarás, abandonará, abandonaremos, abandonaréis, abandonarán. Subjunctive present: abandone, abandones, abandone, abandonemos, abandonéis, abandonen. Participle: abandonado; gerund: abandonando.

Usage notes: Abandonar takes a direct object when referring to a person (abandonar a alguien) or to a place (abandonar un lugar). It also collocates with habits, projects, or commitments (abandonar un hábito, abandonar un proyecto). It often conveys stronger connotations of neglect, desertion, or relinquishment than dejar, and can carry emotional or ethical weight in certain contexts.

Examples: Ella abandonó la carrera para cuidar a su familia. El equipo abandonó el barco ante la tormenta. No abandones tus sueños; continúa con el proyecto.