verb
to abandon, to desert
B1
Means 'to abandon' or 'to desert'. Non‑reflexive transitively means to leave/abandon someone or something. Reflexive 'sich verlassen auf' = to rely on, and requires preposition 'auf' + accusative. Strong irregular verb with vowel change a→ie in Präteritum (verließ); Perfekt with haben (habe verlassen).
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.EXAMPLES
Der Kapitän sagte, er würde das Team verlassen, wenn die Zusammenarbeit weiterhin so schlecht bliebe.
The captain said he would leave the team if the cooperation remained so poor.
Die Firma hat das Projekt ohne Erklärung verlassen und damit viele Mitarbeiter enttäuscht.
The company abandoned the project without explanation, disappointing many employees.
Er fühlte sich, als hätten ihn alle Freunde verlassen; er war wie verlassen und allein.
He felt as if all his friends had deserted him; he felt abandoned and alone.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.DETAILS_LABEL
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.MNEMONICS
Picture a person walking away while leaving a red heart on the ground labeled 'verlassen'.
Think 'ver-less-en' — someone becomes less important when abandoned.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.NOTES
This entry focuses on the emotional/social sense (abandon/desert). Same verb form as 'to leave (a place)' but used transitively toward people or projects.