abstentionism

[ ab-sten-shuh-niz-uhm ]

noun

1. the refusal of a government to participate in international relations or alliances that it regards as detrimental to its interests.

Other Words From

• ab·stention·ist noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of abstentionism¹

abstention + -ism

Example Sentences

Sinn Féin MPs do not take their seats in the House of Commons because of the party's policy of abstentionism.

From BBC

Abstentionism has been above 40% in every presidential election since 1990.

From Seattle Times

Abstentionism has been above 40% in every presidential election since 1990.

From Washington Times

Abstentionism has been above 40% in every presidential election since 1990.

From Seattle Times

About 39 million people are eligible to vote Sunday, but abstentionism has been above 40% in every presidential election since 1990.

From Seattle Times