abort

Definition

An early termination of a mission, action, or procedure in relation to missiles or spacecraft; the craft making such a mission.

Etymology

From Middle English, from Latin abortus, perfect active participle of aborior (“miscarry”), formed from ab + orior (“come into being”). Doublet of abortus.

Example Sentences

• "We've had aborts on three of our last seven launches."
• "We've had three aborts over the last two days."
• "In Japonia 'tis a common thing to stifle their children if they be poor, or to make an abort, which Aristotle commends."