I. ˈabˌjekt also, especially nonattrib, ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷ adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin abjectus, from past participle of abicere to cast off, from ab- ab- (I) + -icere (from jacere to throw) — more at jet (to spout)
1. : sunk to or existing in a low state or condition
2.
a. : cast down in spirit : without spirit or pride : servile
abject knuckling down to the demands of … pressure groups — Elmer Rice
b. : unrelieved by any sign of independence, courage, or originality
abject imitation of foreign ideas
: showing utter resignation : hopeless , helpless
abject surrender
abject frustration
• ab·ject·ness noun -es
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English abjecten, from abject, adjective
1. obsolete : to cast off or out : reject
2. obsolete : to cast down : abase
III. ˈabˌjekt noun
( -s )
Etymology: abject (I)
: one cast off : outcast