Abeyance: meaning, definitions and examples

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abeyance

 

[ əˈbeɪ.əns ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

legal status

Abeyance refers to a state of temporary inactivity or suspension, particularly regarding rights or titles. In legal contexts, it implies that a claim or title is not presently active or is held in reserve.

Synonyms

dormancy, inactivity, suspension

Examples of usage

  • The property rights were held in abeyance until the court made a decision.
  • His claim to the inheritance was placed in abeyance pending further investigation.
  • The project's development is in abeyance due to funding issues.

Translations

Translations of the word "abeyance" in other languages:

🇵🇹 suspensão

🇮🇳 स्थगन

🇩🇪 Ruhe

🇮🇩 penangguhan

🇺🇦 призупинення

🇵🇱 zawieszenie

🇯🇵 停止

🇫🇷 suspension

🇪🇸 suspensión

🇹🇷 askıya alma

🇰🇷 정지

🇸🇦 توقف

🇨🇿 pozastavení

🇸🇰 pozastavenie

🇨🇳 暂停

🇸🇮 suspendiranje

🇮🇸 stöðvun

🇰🇿 тоқтату

🇬🇪 შეჩერება

🇦🇿 dayandırma

🇲🇽 suspensión

Etymology

The term 'abeyance' originates from Middle English 'abeians', derived from the Old French 'abeance' meaning 'to be in possession'. Its root traces back to a combination of 'a' (from) and 'beiance', which relates to holding or keeping. The word came into common legal usage in the late 16th century, particularly among English lawyers. The notion behind abeyance is that something is pending or temporarily inactive, yet it retains the potential for activation in the future once certain conditions are met. Throughout the centuries, 'abeyance' has found its place not only in legal jargon but also in broader discussions around status and ownership, symbolizing a pause in the exercise of rights or duties.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,995, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.