(adv.) on or toward the rear of a ship

The passengers moved abaft of the ship so as to escape the fire in the front of the
ship.  

(v.; n) to leave behind; to give something up; freedom; enthusiasm; impetuosity

After failing for several years, he abandoned his dream of starting a grocery
business.

Lucy embarked on her new adventure with abandon.

(v.) to degrade; humiliate; disgrace

The mother’s public reprimand abased the girl.  The insecure father, after failing to
achieve his own life-long goals, abased his children whenever they failed.

(v.) to shorten; compress; diminish

His vacation to Japan was abbreviated when he acquired an illness treatable only
in the United States.