An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. To terminate a procedure before it has finished naturally.
   

2. In computer science, to terminate an application intentionally or unexpectedly.
   For example, to stop a search or a print job; or unexpected
   termination of a program because of bugs or difficulties.

Etymology (EN): From L. abortus, p.p. of aboriri “to miscarry” (a child) from → ab- “from, away, off,” + oriri “to rise, be born;” cf. Pers. rasidan
“to attain; to arrive” (Mid.Pers. rasidan “to arrive, to mature;” O.Pers./Av. rasa- present stem of ar- “to move, go or come toward;” Skt. ar-, rcchati “reaches;”
Gk. erkhomai “to go, to reach”).

Etymology (PE): Fagânidan, from fagâné “abortion”, related to fegandan, fekandan, afkandan “to throw, to cast away;” Mid.Pers. abgandan “to throw;” O.Pers. avakan- “to throw, place on,” from Proto-Iranian *kan- “to throw, place, put.”