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Abstention: meaning, definitions and examples

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abstention

 

[ əbˈstenʃ(ə)n ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

voting

The act of abstaining from a vote or decision is called abstention. It is a deliberate choice not to participate in a decision-making process.

Synonyms

nonparticipation, refraining, withholding

Examples of usage

  • Many people chose to practice abstention during the election.
  • Her abstention from the vote indicated her dissatisfaction with both options.
Context #2 | Noun

legal

In legal terms, abstention refers to a judge's decision not to participate or intervene in a case, often due to a conflict of interest.

Synonyms

avoidance, noninvolvement, recusal

Examples of usage

  • The judge declared an abstention from the case due to personal connections with the defendant.
  • Judicial abstention is crucial to maintain impartiality in legal proceedings.

Translations

Translations of the word "abstention" in other languages:

🇵🇹 abstenção

🇮🇳 परहेज़

🇩🇪 Enthaltung

🇮🇩 absen

🇺🇦 утримання

🇵🇱 wstrzymanie się

🇯🇵 棄権

🇫🇷 abstention

🇪🇸 abstención

🇹🇷 çekimserlik

🇰🇷 기권

🇸🇦 امتناع

🇨🇿 zdržení se

🇸🇰 zdržanie sa

🇨🇳 弃权

🇸🇮 vzdržanost

🇮🇸 sundurhald

🇰🇿 қалыс қалу

🇬🇪 თავდაჭერილობა

🇦🇿 çəkinmə

🇲🇽 abstención

Etymology

The word 'abstention' comes from the Latin word 'abstentio', which means 'withholding'. The concept of abstention has been present in various societies throughout history, often as a form of protest or refusal to participate in a decision. In modern times, abstention plays a significant role in democratic processes and legal proceedings, allowing individuals to express their stance or maintain impartiality.

See also: abstain, abstainer, abstaining.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,439, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.