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View synonyms for abortion
abortion
[ uh-bawr-shuhn ]
noun
- 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.
- any of various surgical methods for terminating a pregnancy, especially during the first six months.
- Also called spon·ta·ne·ous a·bor·tion [spon-, tey, -nee-, uh, s , uh, -, bawr, -sh, uh, n]. miscarriage ( def 1 ).
- an immature and nonviable fetus.
- any malformed or monstrous person, thing, etc.
- Biology. the arrested development of an embryo or an organ at a more or less early stage.
- the stopping of an illness, infection, etc., at a very early stage.
- Informal.
- shambles; mess.
- anything that fails to develop, progress, or mature, as a design or project.
abortion
/ əˈbɔːʃən /
noun
- an operation or other procedure to terminate pregnancy before the fetus is viable
- the premature termination of pregnancy by spontaneous or induced expulsion of a nonviable fetus from the uterus
- the products of abortion; an aborted fetus
- the arrest of development of an organ
- a failure to develop to completion or maturity
the project proved an abortion
- a person or thing that is deformed
abortion
/ ə-bôr′shən /
- Induced termination of pregnancy, involving destruction of the embryo or fetus.
- Any of various procedures that result in such termination.
- Spontaneous abortion; miscarriage.
- Cessation of a normal or abnormal process before completion.
abortion
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- 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 .
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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.)
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Derived Forms
- aˈbortional, adjective
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Other Words From
- post·a·bor·tion adjective
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Word History and Origins
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