ning by any method; a _contraction_ is a
reduction of size by the drawing together of the parts. A _contraction_
of a word is made by omitting certain letters or syllables and bringing
together the first and last letters or elements; an _abbreviation_ may
be made either by omitting certain portions from the interior or by
cutting off a part; a _contraction_ is an _abbreviation_, but an
_abbreviation_ is not necessarily a _contraction_; _rec't_ for receipt,
_mdse._ for merchandise, and _Dr._ for debtor are _contractions_; they
are also _abbreviations_; _Am._ for American is an _abbreviation_, but
not a _contraction_. _Abbreviation_ and _contraction_ are used of words
and phrases, _abridgment_ of books, paragraphs, sentences, etc. Compare
ABRIDGMENT.

* * * * *

ABET.

Synonyms:

advocate, countenance, incite, sanction,
aid, embolden, instigate, support,
assist, encourage, promote, uphold.

_Abet_ and _instigate_ are now used almost without exception in a bad
sense; one may _incite_ either to good or evil. One _incites_ or
_instigates_ to the doing of something not yet done, or to increased
activity or further advance in the doing of it; one _abets_ by giving
sympathy, countenance, or substantial aid to the doing of that which is
already projected or in process of commission. _Abet_ and _instigate_
apply either to persons or actions, _incite_ to persons only; one
_incites_ a person _to_ an action. A clergyman will _advocate_ the
claims of justice, _aid_ the poor, _encourage_ the despondent,
_support_ the weak, _uphold_ the constituted authorities; but he will
not _incite_ to a quarrel, _instigate_ a riot, or _abet_ a crime. The
originator of a crime often _instigates_ or _incites_ others to _abet_
him in it, or one may _instigate_ or _incite_ others to a crime in the
commission of which he himself takes no active part. Compare HELP.

Antonyms:

baffle, deter, dissuade, hinder,
confound, disapprove, expose, impede,
counteract, disconcert, frustrate, obstruct.
denounce, discourage,

* * * * *

ABHOR.

Synonyms:

abominate, dislike, loathe, scorn,
despise, hate, nauseate, shun.
detest,

_Abhor_ is stronger than _despise_, implying a shuddering recoil,
especially a moral recoil. "How many _shun_ evil as inconvenient who do
not _abhor_ it as hateful." TRENCH _Serm.