v.1. To be present and active in a place or region: Are there any bees about? I'd like to take a walk in the woods, and I hope there are no bears about.
2. To be actively engaged in something, especially a regular activity: I was about my usual shopping that morning when a mysterious aircraft appeared in the sky.
3. To be at the point of doing something. Used with the infinitive: That book is about to fall off the shelf. I was just about to leave when they told me to stop.
4. To be willing or prepared to do something. Used negatively: I'm not about to tell anyone the secret and ruin the surprise!