abandon verb To 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. + abbreviate verb To 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. + abdicate verb To 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. + abdomen noun The 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. + aberrant adjective Different 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. + abhor verb To regard something with intense disgust or hatred. She abhorred cruelty to animals and volunteered at the shelter every weekend. + abide verb To accept or tolerate something, or to comply with a rule or decision. I can't abide people who interrupt others while they are speaking. + abnormal adjective Different from what is usual or expected, often in a way that causes concern. The doctor noticed an abnormal heart rhythm during the routine checkup. + abolish verb To 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. + abolition noun The 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. + abound verb To exist in large numbers or amounts; to be very plentiful. Rumors abound about the company's plans to relocate its headquarters. + above preposition In or to a higher place or position than something else. A hawk circled above the field, watching for movement in the grass. + abrasive adjective Harsh, rude, or unpleasant in manner, often causing offense or friction with others. His abrasive comments during the meeting left several colleagues feeling insulted. + abridge verb To 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. + abroad adverb In or to a country other than one's own. She studied abroad in Spain for a semester during college. + abrupt adjective Happening suddenly and without warning, or unpleasantly brief and curt in manner. The train came to an abrupt stop, throwing passengers forward in their seats. + abscond verb To leave secretly and hurriedly, especially to escape custody or avoid detection. The treasurer absconded with the club's funds before anyone noticed the shortfall. + absence noun The 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. + absent adjective Not present at a place or event where one would normally be expected. Three students were absent from class due to the flu outbreak. + absolute adjective Complete and total, without any exception, qualification, or limitation. The judge demanded absolute honesty from every witness in the trial. + absorb verb To 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. + abstain verb To 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. + abstract adjective Existing as an idea or quality rather than as a physical, concrete object. Justice is an abstract concept that philosophers have debated for centuries. + absurd adjective So unreasonable or illogical that it seems ridiculous or laughable. It felt absurd to wait three hours for a five-minute appointment. + abundant adjective Available or present in large quantities. The orchard produced an abundant crop of apples. + abuse noun Cruel, violent, or unfair treatment of a person or animal. The charity provides shelter for victims of domestic abuse in the region. + abusive adjective Involving cruel, violent, or insulting treatment of another person. She finally left the abusive relationship after years of quiet fear. + abyss noun A very deep or seemingly bottomless chasm, or an extreme and overwhelming situation. The explorers peered nervously into the dark abyss beneath the cave floor. +