ab-
Latinaway from, off
Prefix · means "away from, off"
Same-family forms
Roots often paired with ab-
Associated Words · 46
abuse
Cruel or improper treatment; to misuse or treat harmfully; offensive language
absorb
To soak up a substance; to take in information; to fully engage attention
absolute
Complete and unconditional; not relative or limited
abundance
A very large quantity; a plentiful supply
abundant
Present in large quantities; plentiful
abusive
Using harsh language or causing harm; involving mistreatment
abolish
To formally put an end to a law or institution
avert
To turn away; to prevent something unpleasant
abound
To exist in large quantities; to be plentiful
abnormal
Deviating from what is typical or normal
absorption
The process of absorbing; complete engrossment of the mind
abrupt
Sudden and unexpected; curt in manner
abdomen
The belly; the body region between the chest and hips
aboriginal
Indigenous; relating to the original inhabitants of a region
abuser
A person who mistreats others or misuses something
abduct
To kidnap someone; to take away by force
abort
To end a pregnancy or stop a process before completion
aberration
A deviation from what is normal; a mental lapse; an optical defect
aversion
A strong feeling of dislike; something strongly disliked
abrasive
A substance used for smoothing surfaces; harsh and irritating in manner
abject
Utterly miserable, degraded, or contemptible
abhor
To feel strong hatred or disgust toward something
absolve
To free someone from blame, guilt, or obligation
abrasion
The wearing away of a surface by friction; a scraped area on skin