  The search for rare B decays and direct CP violation at BABAR is described.
The following measurements (based on integrated luminosities ranging from 56.4
to 81.9fb-1) are summarized: the inclusive branching fractions and direct CP
asymmetries of B+ to h+h-h+ (h=pi, K), the exclusive branching fractions of B+
to K+pi-pi+ (where significant signals are observed in the B+ to K*0(892)pi+,
B+ to f0(980)K+, B+ to chic0 K+, B+ to Dbar0 pi+ and B^+ to higher K*0 pi+
channels), the branching fractions of B+ to rho0rho+ and B+ to rho0 K*+, and
finally, the branching fractions, the longitudinal components, and the direct
CP asymmetries in B to phi K*.
