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Words with ab: an ab-prefix word list

This list gathers words that begin with the letters ab, several of which use the Latin prefix ab meaning away from or off. It is useful for spelling practice, vocabulary building, or anyone preparing for a word-parts unit. Read each word and notice which ones clearly relate to the idea of moving away.

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Words with ab: an ab-prefix word list

28 words
WordMeaningIn a sentenceSave
abandonverbTo leave someone or something behind permanently, especially in a way that seems irresponsible or final.The sailors were forced to abandon the sinking ship and swim for shore.
abbreviateverbTo shorten a word, phrase, or process, often by leaving out letters or using an initial form.Writers often abbreviate the phrase 'for example' as 'e.g.' to save space.
abdicateverbTo formally give up the throne, a position of power, or a responsibility.The aging king chose to abdicate rather than fight for control of a divided kingdom.
abdomennounThe part of the body between the chest and the pelvis that contains the stomach and intestines.The doctor pressed gently on his abdomen to check for tenderness.
aberrantadjectiveDifferent from what is normal, expected, or acceptable, often in a way that causes concern.The teacher reported the student's aberrant behavior to the school counselor.
abhorverbTo regard something with intense disgust or hatred.She abhorred cruelty to animals and volunteered at the shelter every weekend.
abideverbTo accept or tolerate something, or to comply with a rule or decision.I can't abide people who interrupt others while they are speaking.
abnormaladjectiveDifferent from what is usual or expected, often in a way that causes concern.The doctor noticed an abnormal heart rhythm during the routine checkup.
abolishverbTo formally end or do away with a law, system, or institution, usually by official action.The new government voted to abolish the unpopular tax on imported goods.
abolitionnounThe official ending of a system, practice, or law, especially one considered unjust.The abolition of slavery in the United States came with the Thirteenth Amendment.
aboundverbTo exist in large numbers or amounts; to be very plentiful.Rumors abound about the company's plans to relocate its headquarters.
aboveprepositionIn or to a higher place or position than something else.A hawk circled above the field, watching for movement in the grass.
abrasiveadjectiveHarsh, rude, or unpleasant in manner, often causing offense or friction with others.His abrasive comments during the meeting left several colleagues feeling insulted.
abridgeverbTo shorten a book, text, or speech by removing detail while keeping its main content.The publisher abridged the novel for younger readers, cutting several subplots.
abroadadverbIn or to a country other than one's own.She studied abroad in Spain for a semester during college.
abruptadjectiveHappening suddenly and without warning, or unpleasantly brief and curt in manner.The train came to an abrupt stop, throwing passengers forward in their seats.
abscondverbTo leave secretly and hurriedly, especially to escape custody or avoid detection.The treasurer absconded with the club's funds before anyone noticed the shortfall.
absencenounThe state of being away from a place or event, or the fact that something is missing.Her absence from the meeting worried her colleagues, since she rarely missed one.
absentadjectiveNot present at a place or event where one would normally be expected.Three students were absent from class due to the flu outbreak.
absoluteadjectiveComplete and total, without any exception, qualification, or limitation.The judge demanded absolute honesty from every witness in the trial.
absorbverbTo take in or soak up a substance, or to take in information, ideas, or impressions gradually.The dry soil quickly absorbed the light rain that fell overnight.
abstainverbTo deliberately choose not to do or have something, especially out of self-control or principle.She decided to abstain from dessert while she was training for the marathon.
abstractadjectiveExisting as an idea or quality rather than as a physical, concrete object.Justice is an abstract concept that philosophers have debated for centuries.
absurdadjectiveSo unreasonable or illogical that it seems ridiculous or laughable.It felt absurd to wait three hours for a five-minute appointment.
abundantadjectiveAvailable or present in large quantities.The orchard produced an abundant crop of apples.
abusenounCruel, violent, or unfair treatment of a person or animal.The charity provides shelter for victims of domestic abuse in the region.
abusiveadjectiveInvolving cruel, violent, or insulting treatment of another person.She finally left the abusive relationship after years of quiet fear.
abyssnounA very deep or seemingly bottomless chasm, or an extreme and overwhelming situation.The explorers peered nervously into the dark abyss beneath the cave floor.

The prefix ab in English words

In words like absent, abnormal, and abstain, the prefix ab comes from Latin and means away from or off. Absent means being away, and abnormal means away from the normal. Not every word beginning with ab uses this prefix in an obvious way, but recognizing it in the clearer examples helps learners build confidence with word parts.

Frequently asked questions

What does the prefix ab mean?

In many words, ab comes from Latin and means away from or off, as in absent and abnormal.