leave behind

Verb

leave behind (third-person singular simple present leaves behind, present participle leaving behind, simple past and past participle left behind)

1. (idiomatic, transitive) To abandon.
   • We left behind our luggage at the hotel.
   • How could you leave me behind like that?
2. (idiomatic, transitive) To forget about.
   • We (accidentally) left behind our bags at the airport.
   • Just leave your cares behind you and enjoy the party.
3. (idiomatic, transitive) To not live longer than; to be survived by.
   • Mrs Johnston died at thirty, and left behind three young daughters.
4. (idiomatic, transitive) To leave (a trace of something).
   • The wound I got in my car accident left behind a massive scar.
   • Unfortunately, this cleaning product leaves behind a noticeable residue.
5. (idiomatic, transitive) To outdo; to progress faster than (someone or something else).
   • This product leaves behind all its competitors in the market.
6. (idiomatic, transitive) To pass.
   • As soon as we made our way onto the highway, we left the skyscrapers behind us.
7. (idiomatic) Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see leave, behind.