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

But win or lose, cases like Adkins make a difference by dramatizing some of the harshest effects of state abortion laws.

From Slate

These are the stories that may give Republicans pause about a potential backlash if they consider aggressive new federal limits on abortion.

From Slate

Idaho has one of the most stringent abortion bans in the nation.

From Slate

It allows abortion only if the life of the patient is threatened, and even then, doctors have to prove that they were justified in proceeding rather than prosecutors’ having to do so.

From Slate

Trial began this week in another major abortion case, Adkins v.

From Slate

Related Words

• miscarriage