abstention
abstention Lexical Profile
abstention Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An instance of formally declining to vote either for or against a proposal, motion, or candidate.
"The resolution passed by a narrow margin, with twelve votes in favor, ten against, and three abstentions."
The act or practice of restraining oneself from indulging in something or participating in an activity.
"His doctor recommended total abstention from caffeine to help resolve his chronic insomnia."
Word Nuance & Usage
While 'abstention' and 'abstinence' both derive from 'abstain', 'abstention' typically refers to a formal decision not to vote or a single instance of holding back, whereas 'abstinence' refers to the ongoing practice of refraining from a habit or indulgence such as alcohol.
• Rhymes for abstention
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French abstention, from Late Latin abstentionem ('a holding back'), a noun of action from the past participle stem of Latin abstinere ('to hold back, refrain'), composed of ab- ('off, away from') and tenere ('to hold').