Prefix ab- vocab

Prefix

ab-

from
away
away from

abdicate

To formally give up a position or responsibility; commonly, referring to royalty renouncing the throne. To step down from a high government office or other powerful position.

He agreed to abdicate and retire in favor of the next in line for the throne.

​Verb

abhor

To find something or someone loathsome, contemptible, rehensible, or repulsive. While it rhymes with a door this word means quite the opposite.

I abhor the smell of burnt popcorn.
I abhor this type of insulting behavior.

​Verb

abide

To patiently wait or tolerate. To endure; to bear or accept a person or condition; to withstand or persevere.

If you abide by the guidelines, you are sure to succeed with the project.
The one thing my parents cannot abide is blatant disobedience.

​Verb

abject

allowing no hope for improvement or relief. In a state of hopelessness or resignation. Describes the most miserable kind of solution. Can also mean extremely humble as in an apology or request.

The situation created abject terror.
The poor surroundings caused abject misery.

​Adjective

aboriginal

Indigenous or native; something that existed first, or an area's first inhabitants.

The Spaniards found here the remains of a aboriginal civilization which had already entered upon decline.

​Adjective

abscond

To run away secretly, often to avoid arrest for criminal charges, and hide yourself.

The suspect absconded to Canada.
Several prisoners absconded from the jail.

Verb

absolve

To publicly or formally pronounce someone's guiltless and blameless. To release someone from any responsibility for an alleged misdeed or, for a priest, to forgive them of sin.

He can only absolve you from mortal sins.
It was a way to absolve responsibility, not an attempt to solve a problem.

Verb