Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Abandonment \A*ban"don*ment\ (-ment), n. [Cf. F. abandonnement.]
   1. The act of abandoning, or the state of being abandoned;
      total desertion; relinquishment.

            The abandonment of the independence of Europe.
                                                  --Burke.

   2. (Mar. Law) The relinquishment by the insured to the
      underwriters of what may remain of the property insured
      after a loss or damage by a peril insured against.

   3. (Com. Law)
      (a) The relinquishment of a right, claim, or privilege, as
          to mill site, etc.
      (b) The voluntary leaving of a person to whom one is bound
          by a special relation, as a wife, husband, or child;
          desertion.

   4. Careless freedom or ease; abandon. [R.] --Carlyle.

Source : WordNet®

abandonment
     n 1: the act of giving something up [syn: {forsaking}, {desertion}]
     2: withdrawing support or help despite allegiance or
        responsibility; "his abandonment of his wife and children
        left them penniless" [syn: {desertion}, {defection}]
     3: the voluntary surrender of property (or a right to property)
        without attempting to reclaim it or give it away