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

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

Initially, it meant 'to put someone under another's control,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to leave or give up completely.'