Abortion Definition: Medical Termination of Pregnancy

Meaning 1：termination of pregnancy (abortion)

abortion 🔊

/əˈbɔːrʃən/

A medical procedure to end a pregnancy by removing the embryo or fetus and placenta from the womb.

Doctor explaining abortion procedure with tablet diagram in clinic

termination of pregnancy 🔊

➕

/ˌtɜːrmɪˈneɪʃən əv ˈprɛɡnənsi/

A medical procedure that ends a pregnancy by removing the embryo or fetus and placenta from the uterus.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：Advanced

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'abortio' (miscarriage), from 'ab-' (away) + 'oriri' (to rise, be born).

💡 Mnemonic

A 'bortion' sounds like 'a short version' – think of a birth cut short.

📖 Example

The doctor provided detailed information about the risks and procedures associated with abortion during the counseling session. 🔊 The doctor provided detailed information about the risks and procedures associated with abortion during the counseling session.

🔗 Collocations

have an abortion – Undergo a medical procedure to end a pregnancy.

abortion rights – Legal and social entitlements regarding access to abortion procedures.

abortion clinic – A medical facility specializing in providing abortion services.

🔄 Synonyms

termination (n.) – A shortened form of 'termination of pregnancy', often used in medical contexts.

induced abortion (n.) – An abortion that is intentionally caused, as opposed to a miscarriage.

pregnancy termination (n.) – The medical ending of a pregnancy before the fetus can survive outside the womb.

🚫 Antonyms

birth (n.) – The process of being born, resulting in a live infant.

conception (n.) – The beginning of pregnancy, when a sperm fertilizes an egg.

full-term pregnancy (n.) – A pregnancy that continues to the normal duration of about 40 weeks.

🌱 Derivatives

abortionist (n.) – A person who performs abortions, often used in historical or legal contexts.

abortive (adj.) – Failing to produce the intended result; cut short.

abort (v.) – To terminate a process or pregnancy before completion.

📖 Cultural Story

Entered English in the 16th century from Latin. Historically referred to miscarriage; now denotes medical termination of pregnancy, central to ethical and legal debates.