to give (something) up completely, esp with the intention of never resuming or reclaiming it
to leave or desert (somebody or something), often in the face of danger, or in spite of a duty or obligation
Was she now to endure the ignominy of his abandoning her? — D H Lawrence
(abandon oneself to) to yield completely to a feeling or emotion
abandon ship
said of passengers and crew: to leave a ship at sea when it is sinking
abandonment noun
[Middle English abandounen to control, to leave to somebody else's control, from early French abandoner, from a bandon in one's power]