Sailor scrap to come to nothing (5)

I believe the answer is:

abort

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'to come to nothing' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'sailor scrap' is the wordplay.
'sailor' becomes 'ab' (abbreviation for able seaman).
'scrap' becomes 'ort' (I've seen this in other clues).
'ab'+'ort'='ABORT'

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(Other definitions for abort that I've seen before include "Bring to premature conclusion" , "Call off (mission) because of problem" , "Pull the plug on" , "Cut short" , "Miscarry" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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