abandon
verb (used with object)
to leave completely and finally; forsake utterly; desert.
were abandoning
-
past progressiveof abandon.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Tigray rebels were abandoning their regional capital in northern Ethiopia on Saturday, a local journalist and residents told AFP, as pro-government forces advanced on the city.
From Barron's ● Oct. 3, 2026
One X user said people were abandoning their Ubers and walking to the airport.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 17, 2024
More women were abandoning the shackles of domesticity and taking on new roles within a growing labor industry.
From Salon ● Sep. 30, 2023
Some were abandoning cars and fleeing on foot.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 14, 2023
The meerkats were abandoning the ponds—indeed, the whole plain—and rapidly making for the forest.
From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel
