Latin · prefix
ab-
away, off, from
Forms
- ab-
- abs- — Expanded Latin form, especially before t.
- a- — Shortened in some Latin compounds.
Origin
Reconstructed Proto-Indo-European *apo, ‘away; off.’
Note
The Greek prefix apo- is a relative from the same older source, not a borrowing from Latin.
Words sharing this root
abdicateTo give up a position of authority or its responsibilities.abdicationThe relinquishment of an office or responsibility.abductionMovement of a body part away from the body's midline.abductionThe unlawful taking away of a person.abductionReasoning that infers the best explanation from available evidence.abductorA person who unlawfully takes someone away.abductorA muscle that moves a body part away from the body's midline.aberrantDeparting from what is normal or expected.aberrationA departure from what is normal or expected.abhorTo hate intensely.abhorrentCausing strong disgust or moral disapproval.abjectReduced to an extreme state of misery or humiliation.abjureTo formally give up or solemnly reject something.ablationThe removal or destruction of material from a surface or body.ablutionWashing oneself or part of the body, especially as a religious ritual.abnormalDifferent from what is usual, typical, or expected.abominableExtremely unpleasant or deserving disgust.abominateTo hate intensely.abominationIntense disgust toward something considered hateful.abortTo bring a developing process to an end before completion.abortiveFailing to achieve the intended result.abortiveRelating to or causing the termination of a pregnancy.aboundTo exist in large numbers or amounts.abradeTo wear away or roughen a surface by rubbing.abrasionThe scraping or wearing away of a surface through friction.abrogateTo evade or fail to carry out a responsibility.abrogateTo officially end a law, agreement, or established practice.abruptChanging sharply without a gradual transition.abscessA swollen, infected area containing pus.absenceThe state of being away or not present.absentNot being present in a place or situation.absoluteIndependent of limits, conditions, or comparison.absolutionFormal forgiveness or release from guilt or blame.absolveTo free someone from blame or responsibility.absorbTo take something into itself and hold or incorporate it.absorbentAble to soak up liquid, or a material with this ability.absorptionThe taking of something into a body or substance.abstainTo deliberately refrain from an available action.abstentionA deliberate decision not to participate in an activity.abstinenceThe deliberate choice to refrain from an activity or substance.abstinentDeliberately avoiding an indulgence.abstractRepresenting ideas apart from concrete, recognizable objects.abstracta brief account of something's main ideasabstracttake something away from where it isabstractionA representation that sets aside concrete detail to focus on form or essential features.abstractionA state of being lost in thought and unaware of one's surroundings.abstruseDifficult to understand because of complexity or obscurity.absurdContrary to reason or ordinary expectations of sense.absurdityThe quality or an instance of being ridiculous or wildly unreasonable.abundanceA very large quantity or plentiful supply.abundantPresent in large quantities or more than enough.abuseTreatment or use that harms or violates proper limits.abusiveInvolving harmful treatment or misuse.averseStrongly opposed to something or unwilling to do it.aversionA strong dislike of or reluctance toward something.avertTo turn something away from its course.avocationA hobby or pursuit outside one's main occupation.