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

Other Word Forms

• abstentious adjective
• nonabstention noun
• unabstentious 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

With government-aligned senators absent, the motion passed with 52 votes in favour and four abstentions.

From BBC

The size of that rebellion is not yet clear, although it is thought some 50 Labour MPs could still vote against the bill, and there would be several abstentions.

From BBC

Last October, the Senedd voted against a motion calling for a law to allow assisted dying, albeit with a number of abstentions.

From BBC

The Senedd voted against a motion on a similar topic that failed to pass last October, albeit with a number of abstentions.

From BBC

Now all eyes turn to the polling stations, particularly on the turnout and abstention rates as indicators of Mexicans' backing for the reform.

From BBC