Pronunciation: /əˈbɔːt/ · Part of speech: verb · Related noun: abortion · Field: obstetrics / general medicine

Definition. To abort is to eject an embryo or fetus, or to cause an embryo or fetus to be ejected, and so end a pregnancy before the fetus is fully developed. The word refers to the ending of a pregnancy before the point at which the fetus could survive independently.

Two senses of the term. In medical use, “abort” can describe events that are either spontaneous or induced:

• Spontaneous — the body naturally ejects the embryo or fetus without intervention. This is what is commonly called a miscarriage, and in medical terminology it may be referred to as a spontaneous abortion.
• Induced — the pregnancy is deliberately ended through medical or surgical means.

In both senses, the defining feature is that the pregnancy ends before the fetus is fully developed.

Broader medical use of “abort.” Beyond pregnancy, the verb abort is also used more generally in medicine to mean to stop a process before it is complete or to halt the development of a disease or condition. For example, a treatment may be said to abort a migraine attack or abort the progression of an infection — meaning it stops the process early, before it runs its full course. This usage shares the same core idea: ending something prematurely.

Related terminology. The noun abortion names the event or procedure of ending a pregnancy. An abortifacient is an agent that induces this. The adjective abortive can describe something that is incompletely developed, or a treatment intended to cut a process short (an abortive therapy). A threatened abortion and a missed abortion are clinical terms describing particular situations in early pregnancy.

Clinical relevance. The term appears throughout obstetric and gynaecological practice in both its specific (pregnancy-related) and general (process-halting) senses. Because the topic of pregnancy termination involves significant medical, legal, ethical, and personal dimensions that vary by region and circumstance, decisions in this area are made on an individual basis with appropriate professional and, where relevant, legal guidance.

Distinction from related terms. Miscarriage is the everyday term for spontaneous loss of a pregnancy. Stillbirth refers to the death of a fetus at a later stage, after the threshold of viability, which is distinct from abortion. Premature birth means delivery of a live infant before full term. “Abort” specifically denotes ending the pregnancy before the fetus is fully developed.

Etymology. From Latin aboriri, “to miscarry” or “to pass away” (ab- = away, amiss + oriri = to be born, to arise) — literally, to fail to come to birth.

⚠️ Disclaimer: This explanation is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It does not advocate any particular course of action. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding any clinical questions, and be aware that laws and regulations on this subject vary by location.