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
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
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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.
"India's decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance remains in force."
From Barron's ● Aug. 31, 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
The case is currently held in abeyance while the appeals court ponders various issues.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 12, 2024
Unfortunately, he died suddenly in 1916, at least partly exhausted by his quest and the search fell into abeyance while Lowell’s heirs squabbled over his estate.
From "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
