abortion
noun
abor·tion
ə-ˈbȯr-shən 
1
a
: spontaneous expulsion of a human fetus during the first 12 weeks of gestation compare miscarriage
b
: induced expulsion of a human fetus
c
: expulsion of a fetus by a domestic animal often due to infection at any time before completion of pregnancy compare contagious abortion
2
a
: a misshapen thing or person : monstrosity
b
informal + sometimes offensive
: something regarded as horrifically or disgustingly bad
3
: arrest of development (as of a part or process) resulting in imperfection
also
: a result of such arrest
Synonyms
Articles Related to abortion
Dictionary Entries Near abortion
Cite this Entry
“Abortion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abortion. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
abortion
noun
abor·tion
ə-ˈbȯr-shən
1
: the termination of a pregnancy whether natural or caused artificially that is accompanied by, results in, or follows the death of the fetus
2
: failure of a project or action to reach full development
also
: a result of such failure
Medical Definition
abortion
noun
abor·tion
ə-ˈbȯr-shən
1
: the termination of a pregnancy after, accompanied by, resulting in, or closely followed by the death of the embryo or fetus:
a
: spontaneous expulsion of a human fetus during the first 12 weeks of gestation compare miscarriage
b
: induced expulsion of a human fetus
c
: expulsion of a fetus of a domestic animal often due to infection at any time before completion of pregnancy see contagious abortion, trichomoniasis sense b, vibrionic abortion
2
: arrest of development of an organ so that it remains imperfect or is absorbed
3
: the arrest of a disease in its earliest stage
abortion of a cold
Legal Definition
abortion
noun
abor·tion
ə-ˈbȯr-shən
1
: the termination of a pregnancy after, accompanied by, or closely followed by the death of the embryo or fetus
especially
: the medical procedure of inducing expulsion of a human fetus to terminate a pregnancy
2
: the crime of procuring or performing an illegal abortion
a conspiracy to commit abortion—
W. R. LaFave and A. W. Scott, Jr.
see also Roe v. Wade and Webster v. Reproductive Health Services
W. R. LaFave and A. W. Scott, Jr.Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share