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abandon (uh BAN dn) vt.1. to give up something forever; 2. to leave in a time
of danger
- Abandonall hope of seeing your family again.
- We must abandonthe boathouse until the storm is over.
[-ed, -ing, abandonment n.] [Syn. quit, desert, forsake (Each of these has a slightly differ-
ent emotion attached to it.)]
abbreviate(uh BREE vee ayt) vt.to shorten something by leaving a part, or
parts, out - We might abbreviatethis word abbrev.
- The student abbreviatedmost of the words in his or her class notes to keep
up with the teacher’s lecture.
[-d, abbreviating, abbreviation n.]
ability(uh BIL etee) n.1. being able; having power to do something; 2. skill,
expertise, power - You have the abilityto succeed at what you attempt.
- Einstein had exceptional mathematical ability.
- An automobile lacks the ablilityto pull a freight train.
abridge(uh BRIJ) vt.1. to reduce in scope; 2. to shorten while maintaining the
essence - Condensed books abridgethe original to appeal to a less than scholarly
audience. - The 9-hour Lord of the Ringstrilogy was abridgedto 1 1/2 hours for its tele-
vision broadcast.
[-d, abridging]
abscond(ab SKAHND) vi.to run away and hide; especially to avoid capture by
law enforcers - Jesse James abscondedjust ahead of the sheriff.
•To abscondoften results in a false sense of security.
[-ed, -ing, absconder n.]
absolve(ab ZAHLV) vt.1. to declare free from guilt; 2. to free from duty or a
promise - The Lord absolvedthe sinner and forgave him.
- The jury absolvedthe accused of any wrongdoing.
- Dad absolvedJunior of his promise to wash the car.
[-d, absolving, absolver n.] [Syn. pardon, forgive, acquit]
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