Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
ABANDON
I. transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English abandounen, from Anglo-French abanduner, from (mettre) a bandun to hand over, put in someone's control
Date: 14th century
1. to give up to the control or influence of another person or agent, to give up with the intent of never again claiming a right or interest in , to withdraw from often in the face of danger or encroachment , to withdraw protection, support, or help from , to give (oneself) over unrestrainedly,
5. to cease from maintaining, practicing, or using , to cease intending or attempting to perform , abandoner noun abandonment noun Synonyms: see: abandon see: relinquish
II. noun
Date: 1822
a thorough yielding to natural impulses