ABEND or absent by enforced 'Net deprivation is hacker slang used to explain to fellow netizens (especially on USENET) that one will be losing (or has not had) Internet access for some time for reasons outside one's control. Possible reasons for using the expression include computer downtime, loss of ISP or other connection problems, moving house or illness.

According to the Jargon File, the acronym was first used on the alt.callahans newsgroup. It may be a backronym from "abnormal end of task" (an error message on the IBM 360).

ABEND has led to variants around the general absent by * 'Net deprivation theme used to desribe other reasons for being absent. The following are known variants:

• ABVND for absent by voluntary 'Net deprivation
• ABSEND for absent by self-enforced 'Net deprivation