leave for dead
Abandon without hope
To leave for dead is to abandon someone or something as beyond saving—whether literally (The attackers left him for dead in the alley) or figuratively (The industry left that technology for dead years ago).
The phrase implies not just abandonment but a judgment that recovery is impossible, though sometimes what's left for dead survives.
To leave behind completely
- forsakeAbandon completely
- abandonLeave behind permanently
- maroonDark brownish-red hue
- strandThin fiber piece
cast off · discard · dump · ditch · neglect · betray · left behind · walk away
Devoid of animation
- unconsciousNot awake or aware
- motionlessLacking all movement
- unresponsiveFailing to react or reply
- dyingCeasing to live
bleeding out · collapsed · fallen · incapacitated · critical condition · fading · last breath · written off
desert
To leave behind completely
strand · cast off · discard · dump · ditch · neglect · betray · left behind · walk away · turn back on
lifeless
Devoid of animation
- unconsciousNot awake or aware
- motionlessLacking all movement
- unresponsiveFailing to react or reply
dying · bleeding out · collapsed · fallen · incapacitated · critical condition · fading · last breath · written off · beyond help
leave for deadrescue
Save from harm
save · come to the rescue · resuscitate · revive · call for help
leave for deadstand by
Remain ready to assist
stick with · fight for · look after · protect · defend
leave, dead, leaves, leaving, leaver, deadly, deaden, deadened, deadening