The premature termination of a flight (as of an aircraft or spacecraft), a mission, or an action or procedure relating to a flight

ETYM Latin abortare, from abortus, p. p. of aboriri; ab + oriri to rise, to be born. Related to Orient.
1. To terminate a pregnancy by undergoing an abortion.
2. To terminate before completion, as of a computer process, a mission, etc.

To terminate abruptly, often used in reference to a program or procedure in progress.