to have an abortion / drift off course
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to have an abortion
To deliberately and prematurely end a pregnancy; to have an abortion performed.
In vielen Ländern ist es unter bestimmten Bedingungen gesetzlich erlaubt, abzutreiben.
In many countries, it is legally permitted under certain conditions to have an abortion.
to drift off course
In seafaring or aviation: to be driven away from the intended course by wind, current, or other external forces.
Das Schiff mit Motorschaden drohte auf die Felsen abzureiben.
The ship with engine damage was in danger of drifting toward the rocks.
'Abtreiben' is a separable verb. The prefix 'ab-' is separated from the verb in main clauses and placed at the end of the sentence. In subordinate clauses or in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Das Boot treibt langsam zur Küste ab.
The boat is slowly drifting toward the coast.
The two meanings are very different and only become clear through context. If the sentence is about 'Schiff' (ship), 'Wind' (wind), or 'Strömung' (current), the nautical meaning is intended. If it is about 'Schwangerschaft' (pregnancy) or a medical decision, the other meaning is intended.
Wegen des starken Sturms trieb das Schiff vom Kurs ab.
Because of the strong storm, the ship drifted off course.
In the nautical meaning, 'abtreiben' describes a passive process caused by external forces such as wind or current. Here, the verb is usually used without an object.
Ohne Paddel würde das Schlauchboot sofort abtreiben.
Without a paddle, the inflatable boat would drift off immediately.
to end
Beenden can refer neutrally or euphemistically to ending a pregnancy as the conclusion of a process. Abtreiben explicitly states that the pregnancy is deliberately ended prematurely. Use beenden when the statement should remain more restrained, and abtreiben when the specific procedure should be clearly identified.
Sie entschied sich, die Schwangerschaft aus persönlichen Gründen abzutreiben.
She decided to have an abortion for personal reasons.
Sie entschied sich, die Schwangerschaft aus persönlichen Gründen zu beenden.
She decided to end the pregnancy for personal reasons.
