# Abey

CEFR C2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abey
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

to put something on hold or stop it for a while. You use this when you want to delay a decision or action until later.

For teachers: to suspend or put something in a state of temporary inactivity. Often used in legal or formal contexts to describe the postponement of a process or decision.

## Examples

- The committee decided to abey the vote until next week.
- The judge ordered the trial to be abey while the legal team reviewed the new evidence.
- By abeying the immediate enforcement of the new regulations, the government allowed local businesses time to adjust their operations without facing immediate financial ruin.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.