Abort

Updated: 10/11/2021 by Computer Hope
Four stop signs with different colors

With computers, abort describes the termination of a process or command. An abort is usually implemented due to an error or an instance where a task can't or shouldn't be completed.

For example, if a program running on your computer stops responding, you can abort the process (force quit the program) and try opening it again.

Tip

The keys Alt+F4 close the currently-selected program. For instance, if you pressed them now, your Internet browser closes. This keyboard shortcut can be helpful when programs freeze and need to be aborted.

Tip

At a command line or when running a script, pressing Ctrl+C can abort a command, program, or script stuck in a loop.

Die, Esc, Exit, Force quit, Freeze, Process, Security terms