abut
UK: əˈbʌt | US: əˈbʌt
vi. to border upon or adjoin another object or space
vt. to cause to touch or lean against something
The word "abut" originates from Middle English abutten, derived from Old French abouter ("to join end to end"), combining the prefix a- (Latin ad-, meaning "to, toward") and but (Old French bot, meaning "end" or "boundary"). The term evolved to describe physical adjacency, emphasizing the idea of one thing pressing or terminating against another. The root but also appears in modern English "buttress" (a supporting structure) and "butt" (the thicker end of an object).
The garden abuts a dense forest, creating a natural barrier.
Their property abuts the highway, causing noise pollution.
The two buildings abut at a shared firewall.
Ensure the shelves abut the wall firmly to avoid tipping.
The treaty specified where the two nations' territories would abut.