According to The **N**ew **Fowler** Modern English Usage - > "abolishment and abolition" both entered the language in the 16c. For > two centuries they coexisted as synonyms (used of sins, faith, guilt, > and other abstract concepts) with approximately equal currency. > > The choice of **abolition** by those working for the **abandonment**, first of > *slavery*, and then of *capital punishment*, ensured the relative > supremacy of this member of the pair. - Contextual needs, however, still leave room for abolishment to be used with fair frequency. ![Usage examples][1] [1]: https://i.sstatic.net/D6fea.jpg