A

abandon (uh BAN dn) vt. 1. to give up something forever; 2. to leave in a time of danger Abandon all hope of seeing your family again. We must abandon the boathouse until the storm is over.
[-ed, -ing, abandonment n.] [Syn. quit, desert, forsake (Each of these has a slightly different emotion attached to it.)]

abbreviate (uh BREE vee ayt) vt. to shorten something by leaving a part, or parts, out We might abbreviate this word abbrev. The student abbreviated most of the words in his or her class notes to keep up with the teachers 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 ability to succeed at what you attempt. Einstein had exceptional mathematical ability. An automobile lacks the ablility to pull a freight train. abridge (uh BRIJ) vt. 1. to reduce in scope; 2. to shorten while maintaining the essence Condensed books abridge the original to appeal to a less than scholarly audience. The 9-hour Lord of the Rings trilogy was abridged to 1 1/2 hours for its television broadcast.
[-d, abridging]

abscond (ab SKAHND) vi. to run away and hide; especially to avoid capture by law enforcers Jesse James absconded just ahead of the sheriff. To abscond often 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 absolved the sinner and forgave him. The jury absolved the accused of any wrongdoing. Dad absolved Junior of his promise to wash the car.
[-d, absolving, absolver n.] [Syn. pardon, forgive, acquit]