abeyance
Americannoun
-
a state of being suspended or put aside temporarily
-
(usually preceded by in) law an indeterminate state of ownership, as when the person entitled to an estate has not been ascertained
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of abeyance
1520–30; < Anglo-French; Old French abeance aspiration, literally, a gaping at or toward. See a- 5, bay 2, -ance
Explanation
An abeyance is a temporary halt to something, with the emphasis on "temporary." It is usually used with the word "in" or "into"; "in abeyance" suggests a state of waiting or holding. The word abeyance has a legal ring to it, and for a good reason — appearing in English in the 16th century, it comes from the Anglo-French word abeiance, a legal term for waiting or hoping to receive property. Nowadays, the word is used in a similar way. Different legal rights, like property rights, can be held in abeyance until matters are resolved.
Vocabulary lists containing abeyance
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Words You Need to See in the Wild
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
This Week in Words: December 1 - 7 , 2018
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The other charges were dismissed and Paul, who was put on probation, submitted a plea of abeyance.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2026
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
"We are still awaiting a decision from Staffordshire Police regarding their ongoing investigations," the authority added, "and any action by ourselves is held in abeyance until such time as their investigations are concluded."
From BBC • Aug. 3, 2025
Those funds were held in abeyance, but Pechman now wants the state to pay $100 million of those fines.
From Seattle Times • Jul. 8, 2023
He’d been holding his whole life in abeyance pending a decision, and they owed him an answer, at least.
From "Geeks: How Two Lost Boys Rode the Internet Out of Idaho" by Jon Katz
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
