abstention

[ ab-sten-shuhn ]

noun

1. an act or instance of abstaining.
2. withholding of a vote.

abstention

/ əbˈstɛnʃən /

noun

1. a voluntary decision not to act; the act of refraining or abstaining
2. the act of withholding one's vote

Derived Forms

• abˈstentious, adjective

Other Words From

• ab·stentious adjective
• nonab·stention noun
• unab·stentious adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of abstention¹

1515–25; < Late Latin abstentiōn- (stem of abstentiō ), equivalent to Latin abstent ( us ), past participle of abstinēre to abstain + -iōn- -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of abstention¹

C16: from Late Latin abstentiōn-, from Latin abstinēre. See abstain

Example Sentences

Julie Morgan's motion calling for a new law to allow assisted dying was defeated in October by 26 against to 19 for - with nine abstentions.

From BBC

There were 124 votes in favour and 14 against, including Israel, along with 43 abstentions.

From BBC

Students in the audience, some with mouths taped shut to symbolize their hunger strike over the issue, reacted with fury, calling out, “Cowards!” and other epithets after the 10-to-6 vote, with one abstention.

From Los Angeles Times

The vote was approved 29 to 0 with one abstention.

From Los Angeles Times

Someone may be allergic or intolerant to alcohol, taking a medicine that contraindicates alcohol consumption, or have religious or personal preferences that tend toward abstention.

From Salon