abstentionism

[ab-sten-shuh-niz-uhm]

noun

1. the refusal of a government to participate in international relations or alliances that it regards as detrimental to its interests.

Other Word Forms

• abstentionist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of abstentionism¹

abstention + -ism

Example Sentences

Sinn Féin MPs do not take their seats in the House of Commons because of the party's policy of abstentionism.

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Abstentionism has been above 40% in every presidential election since 1990.

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About 39 million people are eligible to vote Sunday, but abstentionism has been above 40% in every presidential election since 1990.

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“April 24 is a referendum on the future of France,” Macron told BFM television on Friday evening, in his final interview before the election, comparing the stakes — and potential risks of abstentionism — to the 2016 U.S. election and the Brexit vote.

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Her narrow path to victory against the centrist Macron will depend on her ability to fight abstentionism among her most likely supporters in Vaucluse and other far-right bastions, but to also make inroads in cities like Avignon.

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