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

If the Liberals -- with 170 seats out of 343 -- cannot win two lawmakers over to their side, abstentions could help them win the vote.

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Catholics have gone MAGA, support for the special message was overwhelming: 216 bishops voted in favor, 5 against, and there were 3 abstentions.

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The motion was carried by 74 votes to seven with two abstentions.

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While shareholders owning a majority of shares, barring abstentions, voted in favor of the proposal, the board is still considering how closely the two companies should be linked.

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That means the government needs opposition support — or abstentions — to pass its budget.

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