neglect

Definition

To fail to care for or attend to something.

Etymology

The verb is inherited from Middle English neglect, neclect, derived from Latin neglēctus, perfect passive participle of neglegō (“to make light of, disregard, not to pick up”), itself from nec (“not”) + legō (“to pick up, select”). The noun is from neglēctus (“neglect”). First attested in 1460, the noun in 1588.

Example Sentences

• "to neglect duty or business;  to neglect to pay debts"
• "I hope My absence doth neglect no great designs."
• "This, my long sufferance and my day of grace, Those who neglect and scorn, shall never taste."

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