1)complete lack of inhibition or restraint.

"she sings and sways with total abandon"

1)possession of the means or skill to do something.

"the manager had lost his ability to motivate the players"

2)talent, skill, or proficiency in a particular area.

"a man of exceptional ability"

1)having the power, skill, means, or opportunity to do something.

"he was able to read Greek at the age of eight"

2)having considerable skill, proficiency, or intelligence.

"the dancers were technically very able"

1)the deliberate termination of a human pregnancy, most often performed during the first 28 weeks of pregnancy.

"concerns such as abortion and euthanasia"

2)an object or undertaking regarded by the speaker as unpleasant or badly made or carried out.

1)used to indicate movement in an area.

"men were floundering about"

2)used to express location in a particular place.

"there was a lot of flu about"

1)at a higher level or layer.

"place a quantity of mud in a jar with water above"

1)foreign countries considered collectively.

"servicemen returning from abroad"

1)the state of being away from a place or person.

"the letter had arrived during his absence"

1)a value or principle which is regarded as universally valid or which may be viewed without relation to other things.

"good and evil are presented as absolutes"

1)with no qualification, restriction, or limitation; totally.

"she trusted him absolutely"

2)independently; not viewed in relation to other things or factors.

"white-collar crime increased both absolutely and in comparison with other categories"

1)take in or soak up (energy or a liquid or other substance) by chemical or physical action.

"buildings can be designed to absorb and retain heat"

2)take up the attention of (someone); interest greatly.

"she sat in an armchair, absorbed in a book"

1)the improper use of something.

"alcohol abuse"

2)cruel and violent treatment of a person or animal.

"a black eye and other signs of physical abuse"

1)a teacher or scholar in a college or institute of higher education.

"the EU offers grants to academics for research on approved projects"

1)consent to receive (a thing offered).

"he accepted a pen as a present"

2)believe or come to recognize (an opinion, explanation, etc.) as valid or correct.

"this tentative explanation came to be accepted by the group"

1)a means of approaching or entering a place.

"the staircase gives access to the top floor"

2)an attack or outburst of an emotion.

"I was suddenly overcome with an access of rage"

1)an unfortunate incident that happens unexpectedly and unintentionally, typically resulting in damage or injury.

"he had an accident at the factory"

2)an event that happens by chance or that is without apparent or deliberate cause.

"the pregnancy was an accident"

1)go somewhere with (someone) as a companion or escort.

"the two sisters were to accompany us to New York"

2)be present or occur at the same time as (something else).

"the illness is often accompanied by nausea"

1)achieve or complete successfully.

"the planes accomplished their mission"

1)give or grant someone (power, status, or recognition).

"the powers accorded to the head of state"

2)(of a concept or fact) be harmonious or consistent with.

"his views accorded well with those of Merivale"

1)a report or description of an event or experience.

"a detailed account of what has been achieved"

2)a record or statement of financial expenditure and receipts relating to a particular period or purpose.

"the ledger contains all the income and expense accounts"