abstention
pronunciation
How to pronounce abstention in British English:
UK [əbˈstenʃn]
How to pronounce abstention in American English:
US [æbˈstɛnʃən, əb-]
-
- Noun:
- the trait of abstaining (especially from alcohol)
Word Origin
- abstention (n.)
- 1520s, from Middle French abstention (Old French astencion), from Late Latin abstentionem (nominative abstentio) "the act of retaining," noun of action from past participle stem of Latin abstinere "keep back, keep off, hold off" (see abstain).
Example
- 1. The measure passed -- 6 ayes to one abstention .
- 2. But abstention would be a tacit yes to a fair peace .
- 3. Germans may forgive the libya abstention if the war goes wrong .
- 4. Germany 's abstention led to a public relations meltdown abroad and at home .
- 5. Regional elections offer a chance to register a protest vote or an abstention , since for most voters the stakes are low .