abstentionism

American  

[ab-sten-shuh-niz-uhm] / æbˈstɛn ʃəˌnɪz əm /

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

• abstentionist noun

Etymology

Origin of abstentionism

abstention + -ism

Example Sentences

He was elected as MP in his native west Belfast from 1997 until 2011, but Sinn Féin does not take its seats at Westminster due to the party's policy of abstentionism.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

However, under Sinn Féin's long-standing policy of abstentionism he never took his seat in the House of Commons.

From BBC • Jan. 17, 2026

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

From Seattle Times • Jun. 18, 2022

Mr Eastwood had argued that in order to effect change MPs need to take their seats - an argument against abstentionism that voters in Foyle clearly backed.

From BBC • Dec. 13, 2019