abeyance

American  

[uh-bey-uhns] / əˈbeɪ əns /

noun

1. temporary inactivity, cessation, or suspension.

   Let's hold that problem in abeyance for a while.

   Synonyms:

   deferral, remission

2. Law. a state or condition of real property in which title is not as yet vested in a known titleholder.

   an estate in abeyance.

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abeyance British  

/ əˈbeɪəns /

noun

1. a state of being suspended or put aside temporarily

2. (usually preceded by in) law an indeterminate state of ownership, as when the person entitled to an estate has not been ascertained

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Other Word Forms

• abeyant adjective

Etymology

Origin of abeyance

1520–30; < Anglo-French; Old French abeance aspiration, literally, a gaping at or toward. See a- ⁵, bay ², -ance

Example Sentences

The chief worry for White is that until 2020 most supply shocks were positive and disinflationary, as globalization and efficient supply chains kept prices in abeyance.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 7, 2026

Only legislation can formally remove his dukedom, which is now held in abeyance.

From BBC • Oct. 23, 2025

The case is currently held in abeyance while the appeals court ponders various issues.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2024

Meanwhile, economic ties and tourism remain strong and recent years have seen an abeyance in once-frequent anti-Japanese street protests in China.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 13, 2023

Such an agreement, called a plea in abeyance, would allow for his record to be wiped clean, should he meet all the conditions.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel