noun
abstention
ub-STEN-shun/əbˈstenʃn/
A deliberate decision not to participate in an activity.
Her abstention leaves the committee evenly divided on the proposal.
Etymology
The pieces convey an act of holding back. A general refusal to do something became, in voting, the specific choice to withhold one's vote rather than take either side.
In context
right up please and ladies those against please raise their hands those abstentions please raise their hands there are four votes four there are six votes against and there's one abstention
More examples
- The vote recorded two abstentions.
- His abstention from alcohol lasted through the entire season.
- The chairman explained his abstention before the vote began.
Forms
abstention · abstentions
Similar words
- abstinence
- Usually sustained restraint, particularly from a substance or indulgence.
- nonparticipation
- Does not necessarily imply a deliberate choice to hold back.