abstainment
n. C1 Advanced ab·stain·ment
n. the act of choosing not to do something, especially something that is common or expected. It is often used when talking about not voting, not eating, or not having sex.
n. the act of refraining from a particular activity or practice, especially one that is common or expected. Often used in political, religious, or medical contexts.
The candidate's refusal to vote was a form of political abstainment.
The doctor recommended a period of total abstainment from alcohol to allow the patient's liver to heal.
The committee's decision to abstain from the final vote was seen as a strategic move to avoid taking a firm stance on the controversial policy.