The term that refers to a software error resulting in abnormal termination of a program is called a crash. A crash can occur due to various reasons, including unhandled exceptions, memory overflow, or conflict with other software. When a program crashes, it usually halts operations, and users may lose unsaved progress, leading to frustration and productivity loss. Developers aim to minimize crashes through rigorous testing and debugging processes, ensuring software stability and reliability for end-users. Understanding crash causes is essential for enhancing software robustness and user satisfaction.