'abort' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'abortare,' where 'ab-' meant 'away' and 'oriri' meant 'to rise or be born.'

'abortare' transformed into the French word 'abourter,' and eventually became the modern English word 'abort' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to miscarry or bring forth prematurely,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to terminate prematurely.'