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 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

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

From BBC • Oct. 23, 2025

The gun charge would be held in abeyance and would be nixed if he keeps a clean record while serving two years on probation for the tax charges.

From Washington Times • Jul. 5, 2023

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