What does ABORT mean?

Abort Parts of Speech

Verb

Definitions

1. to end a pregnancy before the fetus would be able to live on its own
2. to stop something before it is completed, especially because it is not successful or because there is danger

Pronunciations

• US: /əˈbɔrt/
• UK: /əˈbɔːt/

Origin and Usage

The word "abort" comes from the Latin word "abortus," meaning "miscarriage." It was first used in English in the mid-16th century to refer to the spontaneous end of a pregnancy. In the 20th century, it began to be used more broadly to refer to the termination of any process or activity before it is completed. The medical use of the term "abortion" to refer to the deliberate ending of a pregnancy is controversial and has been the subject of much debate.

Synonyms

• terminate
• halt
• cancel
• stop

Related Words

• about
• above
• abuse
• abide
• abhor

Example Sentences

• She decided to abort the pregnancy because of health concerns.
• The mission had to be aborted due to technical difficulties.
• He decided to abort the project because it was not financially viable.