‘遗弃’ (yíqì) is a formal, often legally or morally charged verb meaning ‘to abandon’—especially someone vulnerable who depends on you, such as a child, elderly parent, or pet. The first character 遗 (yí) means ‘to leave behind’ or ‘to lose unintentionally’, while 弃 (qì) means ‘to discard’ or ‘to forsake’. Together, they convey a deliberate, irresponsible act of desertion that violates social or familial duty. It implies neglect rather than simple separation, and carries strong negative connotations of betrayal and moral failure.

This word appears frequently in legal contexts (e.g., child custody cases), news reports about elder abuse or animal cruelty, and literature depicting broken family bonds. Unlike neutral words like ‘leave’ or ‘depart’, 遗弃 always suggests ethical culpability and emotional harm. It is rarely used for objects or abstract concepts—its core usage centers on living beings in need of care.