abortion

[ uh-bawr-shuhn ]

noun

1. Also called vol·un·tar·y a·bor·tion [vol, -, uh, n-ter-ee , uh, -, bawr, -sh, uh, n]. the removal of an embryo or fetus from the uterus in order to end a pregnancy.
2. any of various surgical methods for terminating a pregnancy, especially during the first six months.
3. Also called spon·ta·ne·ous a·bor·tion [spon-, tey, -nee-, uh, s , uh, -, bawr, -sh, uh, n]. miscarriage ( def 1 ).
4. an immature and nonviable fetus.
5. abortus ( def 2 ).
6. any malformed or monstrous person, thing, etc.
7. Biology. the arrested development of an embryo or an organ at a more or less early stage.
8. the stopping of an illness, infection, etc., at a very early stage.
9. Informal.
   1. shambles; mess.
   2. anything that fails to develop, progress, or mature, as a design or project.

abortion

/ əˈbɔːʃən /

noun

1. an operation or other procedure to terminate pregnancy before the fetus is viable
2. the premature termination of pregnancy by spontaneous or induced expulsion of a nonviable fetus from the uterus
3. the products of abortion; an aborted fetus
4. the arrest of development of an organ
5. a failure to develop to completion or maturity

   the project proved an abortion

6. a person or thing that is deformed

abortion

/ ə-bôr′shən /

1. Induced termination of pregnancy, involving destruction of the embryo or fetus.
2. Any of various procedures that result in such termination.
3. Spontaneous abortion; miscarriage.
4. Cessation of a normal or abnormal process before completion.

abortion

¹

1. The ending of pregnancy and expulsion of the embryo or fetus , generally before the embryo or fetus is capable of surviving on its own. Abortion may be brought on intentionally by artificial means (induced abortion) or may occur naturally ( spontaneous abortion , which is commonly referred to as a miscarriage ). ( Compare stillbirth ; see also family planning and population control .)

abortion

²

1. The deliberate termination of a pregnancy, usually before the embryo or fetus is capable of independent life. In medical contexts, this procedure is called an induced abortion and is distinguished from a spontaneous abortion ( miscarriage ) or stillbirth .

Notes

Abortion laws are extremely controversial. Those who describe themselves as “pro-choice” believe that the decision to have an abortion should be left to the mother. In contrast, the “pro-life” faction , arguing that abortion is killing, holds that the state should prohibit abortion in most cases. Feminists ( see feminism ) (see also feminism ) and liberals generally support the pro-choice side; Roman Catholics and Protestant fundamentalists generally back the pro-life side. ( See Roe versus Wade.)

Derived Forms

• aˈbortional, adjective

Other Words From

• post·a·bor·tion adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of abortion¹

First recorded in 1540–50, abortion is from the Latin word abortiōn- (stem of abortiō ). See abort, -ion

Example Sentences

State lawmakers will gavel in a special session Monday focused on a proposed $25-million litigation fund to respond to President-elect Donald Trump’s anticipated attacks on California policies on civil rights, climate change and abortion access.

From Los Angeles Times

Two years after the conservative majority overturned national abortion rights, the justices will hear arguments Wednesday over whether states may ban hormone treatment and puberty blockers for adolescents suffering from gender dysphoria.

From Los Angeles Times

Pro-choicers pointed to evidence, from both history and other countries, showing that abortion bans kill women.

From Salon

The campaign knew it had a problem with some young female voters, particularly because Trump’s Supreme Court picks had eliminated federal protection of abortion access by overturning of Roe vs.

From Los Angeles Times

Although Biden was denied communion at a Catholic Church in South Carolina in October 2019 because of his position on abortion, his Catholicism did not play a significant role in his presidential campaign.

From Salon

Related Words

• miscarriage