abortive

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   failing to accomplish an intended result

   An abortive revolt.

Simplified etymology

Abortive entered English in the Middle English period from Latin aboriri, “to miscarry,” formed from ab, “from” or “away,” and oriri, “to be born” or “rise.” Its early use referred to a stillborn child or animal. Abortion is recorded from the mid-16th century.

First attested in 1382, with the meaning "causing stillbirth or miscarriage". From Middle English abortif, from Old French abortif, from Latin abortīvus (“causing abortion”), from aborior (“miscarry, disappear”), from ab (“amiss”) + orior (“appear, be born, arise”).

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