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

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

Initially, it meant 'to miscarry or be born prematurely,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'terminate a process' and 'terminate a pregnancy.'