'abandon' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'abandoner,' where 'a-' meant 'to' and 'bandon' meant 'control or jurisdiction.'

'abandoner' transformed into the Middle English word 'abandounen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'abandon.'

Initially, it meant 'to bring under control,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to leave or give up.'