DictionaryditchAbandoning
verb

ditch

To deliberately leave or get rid of someone or something.

He ditches his friends whenever a better invitation comes along.

Etymology

The discard sense grows from throwing something into a ditch. The literal abandonment broadened to dropping a person, plan, or possession from one’s affairs.

More examples

  • We ditched the rental car and took the train.
  • I'm ditching these worn-out shoes.
  • They ditch their original plan when the weather changes.

Forms

ditch · ditches · ditched · ditching

Similar words

abandon
More formal; often suggests leaving someone or something permanently.
discard
Usually applies to unwanted objects rather than people.
dump
Often suggests careless disposal or abruptly ending a romantic relationship.