diff --git a/src/python/m5/SimObject.py b/src/python/m5/SimObject.py
index 26a1227712..26147a1757 100644
--- a/src/python/m5/SimObject.py
+++ b/src/python/m5/SimObject.py
@@ -1175,6 +1175,8 @@ class SimObject(object, metaclass=MetaSimObject):
 
     # Call C++ to create C++ object corresponding to this object
     def createCCObject(self):
+        if self.abstract:
+            fatal(f"Cannot instantiate an abstract SimObject ({self.path()})")
         self.getCCParams()
         self.getCCObject() # force creation