Abstention
noun
The act of choosing not to do or have something.
In the vote, there were 10 yeas, 5 nays, and 3 abstentions.
Often appears as...
- voter abstention
- abstention rate
noun
A formal decision not to vote on a proposal.
The council member's abstention allowed the motion to carry.
Often appears as...
- abstention from voting
- abstention in a case
Usage tips
Formal
noun
The practice of not consuming certain things or substances for health, religious, or other reasons.
During Lent, many Christians practice abstention from certain foods or behaviors.
Often appears as...
- abstention from meat
- religious abstention
Usage tips
Religious
noun
The act of choosing not to do or have something.
In the vote, there were 10 yeas, 5 nays, and 3 abstentions.
Often appears as...
- voter abstention
- abstention rate
noun
A formal decision not to vote on a proposal.
The council member's abstention allowed the motion to carry.
Often appears as...
- abstention from voting
- abstention in a case
Usage tips
Formal
noun
The practice of not consuming certain things or substances for health, religious, or other reasons.
During Lent, many Christians practice abstention from certain foods or behaviors.
Often appears as...
- abstention from meat
- religious abstention
Usage tips
Religious
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Political Neutrality
Abstention is often used to remain neutral when voting on issues one doesn't want to influence.
Some shareholders practiced abstention to avoid conflict of interest.
Pro Tip 2/3Personal Choice
'Abstention' emphasizes a voluntary decision, not forced, particularly in personal and health decisions.
He chose abstention from sugar for his diet.
Pro Tip 3/3Impartiality
Using 'abstention' in discussions showcases objectivity or lack of bias toward the topic.
The judge's abstention from the verdict maintained her impartiality.
Pro Tip 1/3Political Neutrality
Abstention is often used to remain neutral when voting on issues one doesn't want to influence.
Some shareholders practiced abstention to avoid conflict of interest.
Pro Tip 2/3Personal Choice
'Abstention' emphasizes a voluntary decision, not forced, particularly in personal and health decisions.
He chose abstention from sugar for his diet.
Pro Tip 3/3Impartiality
Using 'abstention' in discussions showcases objectivity or lack of bias toward the topic.
The judge's abstention from the verdict maintained her impartiality.
Pro Tip 1/3Political Neutrality
Abstention is often used to remain neutral when voting on issues one doesn't want to influence.
Some shareholders practiced abstention to avoid conflict of interest.
Pro Tip 2/3Personal Choice
'Abstention' emphasizes a voluntary decision, not forced, particularly in personal and health decisions.
He chose abstention from sugar for his diet.
Pro Tip 3/3Impartiality
Using 'abstention' in discussions showcases objectivity or lack of bias toward the topic.
The judge's abstention from the verdict maintained her impartiality.
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Video examples
War in Ukraine -- and...
And that's why you've got the abstention in the United Nations vote. And that's why you've had very careful comments as opposed to overt and strong condemnation coming from the Indian leadership. Phil in the chat is asking, "Will this cause a fragmentation of the financial system
Video examples
War in Ukraine -- and...
And that's why you've got the abstention in the United Nations vote. And that's why you've had very careful comments as opposed to overt and strong condemnation coming from the Indian leadership. Phil in the chat is asking, "Will this cause a fragmentation of the financial system
Example 1 of 1
Quote examples
Wayne Dyer
American Psychologist
I spent years studying the teachings of Patanjali, and he reminded us several thousand years ago that when we are steadfast - which means that we never slip in our abstention of thoughts of harm directed toward others - then all living creatures cease to feel enmity in our presence.
Quote examples
Anatole France
French Novelist
War will disappear only when men shall take no part whatever in violence and shall be ready to suffer every persecution that their abstention will bring them. It is the only way to abolish war.
Quote examples
Jose Saramago
Portuguese Writer
Abstention means you stayed at home or went to the beach. By casting a blank vote, you're saying you have a political conscience but you don't agree with any of the existing parties.
Quote examples
Abba Eban
Israeli Diplomat
If Algeria introduced a resolution declaring that the earth was flat and that Israel had flattened it, it would pass by a vote of 164 to 13 with 26 abstentions.
Quote examples
Ambrose Bierce
American Journalist
A total abstainer is one who abstains from everything but abstention, and especially from inactivity in the affairs of others.
Quote examples
Gilbert K. Chesterton
English Writer
Chastity does not mean abstention from sexual wrong; it means something flaming, like Joan of Arc.
Quote examples
Wayne Dyer
American Psychologist
I spent years studying the teachings of Patanjali, and he reminded us several thousand years ago that when we are steadfast - which means that we never slip in our abstention of thoughts of harm directed toward others - then all living creatures cease to feel enmity in our presence.
Quote examples
Anatole France
French Novelist
War will disappear only when men shall take no part whatever in violence and shall be ready to suffer every persecution that their abstention will bring them. It is the only way to abolish war.
Quote examples
Jose Saramago
Portuguese Writer
Abstention means you stayed at home or went to the beach. By casting a blank vote, you're saying you have a political conscience but you don't agree with any of the existing parties.
Quote examples
Abba Eban
Israeli Diplomat
If Algeria introduced a resolution declaring that the earth was flat and that Israel had flattened it, it would pass by a vote of 164 to 13 with 26 abstentions.
Quote examples
Ambrose Bierce
American Journalist
A total abstainer is one who abstains from everything but abstention, and especially from inactivity in the affairs of others.
Quote examples
Gilbert K. Chesterton
English Writer
Chastity does not mean abstention from sexual wrong; it means something flaming, like Joan of Arc.
Example 1 of 6
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