• to transmit the reaction of superstructure to the foundations.
• to retain the earth filling.
• to connect the superstructure to the approach roads.

An abutment is also, generally, the point where two structures or objects meet.

Specifically, an abutment may be:

• the part of a structure that supports an arch.
• the tooth or teeth that support a fixed or removable bridge. It can be used between an implant and the crownoun